Trump says Navy SEAL accused of war crimes will be moved to ‘less restrictive confinement’
“We have received reports that Chief Gallagher’s access to counsel and access to food and medical care may have been restricted,” they added. “As a result, we respectfully request that you review the Navy policies governing pretrial confinement for Chief Gallagher and other service members to ensure compliance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”
Now I am the last to say that Eddie Gallagher should be treated unfairly or denied proper access to his legal defence team
Justice is supposed to be blind
Compare the case of Eddie Gallagher to another veteran who served their country, who also languishes in prison.
Chelsea Manning: supporters demand release from solitary confinement
Supporters of Chelsea Manning have demanded her release from effective solitary confinement, in which she has been held for more than two weeks since being jailed for contempt of court.
“We condemn the solitary confinement that Chelsea Manning has been subjected to during her incarceration at William G Truesdale adult detention center,” a committee of supporters said in a statement on Saturday.
Manning has been held in administrative segregation, or “adseg”, with up to 22 hours each day spent in isolation, for the duration of her detention….
…Extended periods of solitary confinement “amount to torture”, according to the United Nations special rapporteur Juan Méndez, who has argued that “solitary confinement should be banned by states as a punishment or extortion technique”.
Manning’s supporters said: “Chelsea is a principled person, and she has made clear that while this kind of treatment will harm her, and will almost certainly leave lasting scars, it will never make her change her mind about cooperating with the grand jury”.
An interesting read and very true – when racists think no one is watching they say and do stuff they would normally, shamefully, hide. But imo it’s not the hiding that is the problem it is the attitudes in the first place – hidden or not hidden the attitudes hurt EVERYONE including the racists.
It wasn’t until I started studying the experiences of Māori English teachers working in secondary schools, for my PhD, that I began to think about how my students would have carried that information about colour into their everyday lives.
The Māori teachers who took part in my research gave me insights into the role that skin colour plays in state schooling, and cause to think about how I’m positioned by my brownness. Interestingly, although perhaps not surprisingly, it was the fair-skinned teachers who talked about experiencing interpersonal racism. Not one visibly Māori English teacher gave an example of direct racism.
One fair-skinned Māori teacher recalled how a fellow trainee at teacher’s training college, a Pākehā, confided in her that, everyone thinks “I would vote for Labour, but I vote for National because I am sick of all this Māori shit”.
Another fair-skinned teacher spoke of going home and crying after hearing a Pākehā colleague commenting that if Māori students “were able to answer their exams using bro language, then perhaps they would have more of a chance of passing”.
I attended Chelsea Mannings address in the Auckland Town Hall last year. In answer to a questions from the floor, about her experience in prison, Manning said, ‘To survive the prisoners had to band together to protect themselves from the violence of the prison guards.’
So I can understand Chelsea Mannings special anxiety about being confined in solitary.
Gordon Campbell on the potential for Ardern’s representation of human rights to Xi: “It is also difficult to imagine that even a moral lecture by a New Zealand PM would do much to improve the lot of the persecuted, or make the tyrants mend their ways.”
A moral lecture would be exactly the wrong thing to deliver! Guaranteed to offend! No, she would have to be diplomatic to induce progress. Start with this question: “What will have to change in China before it becomes possible to allow Chinese citizens civil rights?”
Xi then has the option of choosing to evade or answer the question. He may say “We are communists, so we will never allow civil rights here. The hive mind must always prevail over individual free-will. Our people will continue to do as they are told.”
If Prime Minister Ardern can stand up for Muslim human rights here, she should have the courage to stand up for Muslim human rights in China, or anywhere.
Big call, Ad! I predict that there will be no media report of her doing so. That may not mean she did not do so, of course. It may just mean that nobody in the media thought she would be so bold as to advocate civil rights for muslims to Xi – so they would be unlikely to think of asking her if she did that.
As I posted elsewhere, the international Muslim community largely supports China’s efforts in Xinjiang. It is Muslims themselves who understand best the horrors unleashed by religious extremism.
I think Muslim countries elsewhere remain quiet on the plight of the Uighurs in Xinjiang from self interest, not because they agree with them.
Many of these leaders are the recipients of Chinese bribes as part of the Silk Road initiative. Many of these countries are almost totally dependent on China for trade and aid.
Anyway, who cares what other Muslim countries think of this? Mass detention and forced ‘re-education’ is just plain evil.
Actually ad, I disagree with you. I believe Ardern is absolutely genuine. She is also a pragmatist, which I greatly admire in her. I am sure she will mention human rights, but let’s face it, as was the case with the Australian detention centers there was nothing she could do or say that would shift them. She has led by example. I believe that has the biggest power to influence
You are very black and white Ad. Remember, NZ generally does not interfere in another country’s internal affairs. However, the attack in NZ may give her an opening in her 10 hour widow. I think we have to stop asking for miracles though, and settle for a mortal woman doing her best.
If you are struck by the oddness of contemporary life, Strange Planet, a series of cartoons by Nathan Pyle, is worth a look. https://www.instagram.com/nathanwpyle/
Given that gangs are involved in the most gun crime and they are saying they won’t give up their guns – what’s going to be the reaction from Jacinda ?
She’s busy making normal law abiding citizens hand in theirs – she should come down on the gangs like a ton of bricks – but dollars to donuts she won’t.
Are you aware of Police operations in your area to make that kind of claim?
You need to back up what you are claiming.
Also, it would make sense for the Police to follow their stated police of enabling a gun amnesty, then awaiting the actual change of the law that they enforce before going in too much harder on semiautomatic gun owners who are gang members.
Or, as you expect, maybe the Police are now expected to enforce what a future law that isn’t even drafted is supposed to intend.
Remember that thing called the law?
It’s what the Police enforce.
Premature, James. Let the cops do their job, eh? If they fail, then the police minister would have to hold the commisioner accountable. It would only be appropriate for the PM to get involved if the normal processes of governance fail.
James there will be fines and even imprisonment for people who don’t hand in their guns……..I am not even sure of why you raised this other than to do a “but Jacinda …..”
Is this the approach agreed on in your trolling supervision session?
Successive Governments both Labour & National have done nothing to combat organized crime and the gangs here in NZ, to the point now, where the gangs in NZ are now heavily armed and control the drug trade here in NZ ?
They probably have the best lawyers and accountants advising them how to invest the proceeds from their business activities ie cleansing the proceeds of crime ?
The average New Zealand taxpayer picks up the costs of these gang activities, police time, judiciary time, prison time, mental health problems and the other associated social problems associated with drug dealing & distribution ?
James all the gangs in NZ are armed to the teeth they need the weapons to protect themselves from the other gangs, weapons and drugs are mutually inclusive if you are involved in the narcotics trade which most NZ gangs are ?
Alex Jones also believes that the US Givernment is involved in the Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11 and Vaccines are deadly. Over the years there have been more than enough commentators on this site expressing the same sentiment. While the left like to class him as “alt right” (yawn…) the reality is he has views that fit all extremes of the political spectrum.
You mean he’s a populist? Next move then: establish the Alt-Right Party, run for president. Those alienated by the left & right were over 40% in a US poll I saw several months ago. Hoover them up & he can sail through the middle, side-lining the establishment no problem.
President Jones would be an exemplary demonstration of just how clever the policy of allowing mentally-ill folk to live in the community just like everyone else actually is. I anticipate a highly-entertaining presidency! Bring it on… 😎
Calling themselves the Alt-Right Party might offend the self-image of some of the voters that might otherwise go for them. Convergence Party might be a better name.
I didn’t notice the Amnesty scandal featuring onsite here, so I’ll post a follow-up report: “Following the suicide of a staff member, Amnesty commissioned an independent review of its company culture, which found that some of its staff have been victims of bullying, public humiliation, discrimination, and abuses of power, and that these issues threaten the organisation’s credibility.”
Amnesty head Kumi Naidoo began his role in August last year, and is looking to address these issues quickly. “Our organisation, set up in 1961, has added one layer of complexity after the other as it’s evolved, and to be honest we need a complete reorganising because, in fact, the very structure of Amnesty right now is a source of certain conflicts and tensions that we need to fix urgently,” he said.
He pointed out that Amnesty chose to make the report public, and that all seven members of its senior leadership team have accepted responsibility and offered to resign. To him, this transparency is a good first step.
“I am not saying it’s going to be easy for us to recalibrate and move forward with a healing approach, if you want, but the commitment is there from myself, the board, and all parts of the organisation and we are focused on acting on it,” he said. “One year won’t sort everything out. But the term ‘toxic’ is quite a loaded word. I think within a year, I want that word off the table.”
Gotta say, I’ve viewed Amnesty International as a deeply flawed organisation ever since they adopted Mumia Abu-Jamal as one of their poster-boys. Really, of the vast selection of people treated unjustly by justice systems, that’s one they chose to highlight?
Our very own Guantanamo prisoner. What happened to the rule of law and innocent to proven guilty? Make an exception in this case, and it will be the thin edge of the wedge. We can never pick and choose when the rule of law may or may not apply, no matter how appalling the crime maybe.
He is in solitary isolation in a 3 x 4m concrete and stainless steel box, with no natural light, for 24 hours a day (half hour in a wire cage a day in the open). Indefinitely. As he is on suicide watch, the lights will also be on 24 hours a day. This is standard in NZ for ‘at risk’ prisoners, but that is usually short term, not open ended.
Yes, this is for his own safety, but compounding his hell is that he is denied all visits, all outside media. This means no reading material, no opportunity to even hear another human voice except the three times a day he his fed his 1500 calories food per day. By the time of his trial (should he even receive one) his mental state will almost certainly be psychotic. We know this from other prisoners kept in solitary for extended periods.
There have already been many calls that he should not even receive a fair trial (like Kate Hawksby to name but one). Right to evidence? When someone is on remand, they are totally dependent on a lawyer and the whims of the Police as to what evidence they receive. Unbiased judge? There will almost certainly be political pressure applied to the judge.
Yeah. Guantanamo Bay. The crime was appalling. No question. But we do have a legal framework in NZ and it is fast being scrapped, like with the 16 year old kid in ChCh who was arrested on Thursday for sharing the killers video.
We rightly condemn the US actions in Guantanamo Bay, but I guess they would use the same justification as is being used here in NZ.
Oh fuck right off.
I can tell you that because of the extremely high profile of this guy everything will be done by the book because we all know that there’s plenty of wank stains out there just dying to put the boot into Corrections or sue Corrections or both just to make a name for themselves
What a load of shit. He gets outside for an hour and human company 3 times a day (albeit briefly). Not everyone falls to pieces without company. He was a recluse anyway so he’s just peachy keen.
So you think it would be fine for the yet to be convicted, or the convicted, to receive violence and rape? Gee, I thought we had moved into more enlightened times. Obviously not.
His total isolation from people (visitors who individually must be approved by Corrections which many any sympathizers will be weeded out), isolation of reading material. Keeping in a hole is a given at this point. The rest is unprecedented.
If you have difficulty to ‘ get my head around’ that, then I would kindly suggest you learn the art of reading and thinking. It really is not that hard, although I guess it is Sunday and often ones head is fuzzy on a Sunday morning.
He hasn’t been denied reading material so before you go pointing the finger at others I suggest you read your own link.
A Corrections spokesperson confirmed today that the man has “no access to television, radio or newspapers and has no approved visitors”.
It says nothing about books. He may even have access to pen and paper to further his literary career, who knows, but there’s nothing to suggest he’s undergoing some sort of sensory deprivation. And FYI, his complaint is in regard to visitors and phone calls, nothing else.
It’s certainly a post worthy subject, Peter. As this seems to be a good weekend for new writers, how about to you have a crack and send it to me? I’ll edit it, find some links and put it up as a guest post.
I am going to ask you to reconsider that offer of a post from peter of Chch re the gunmans human rights. See my comments below. I think the less airtime we give to the gunman the better. There are likely hundreds of others whose human rights are being violated. Better to do a post on them.
The gunman will have access to legal redress. Let that happen outside the public gaze
This is just my opinion but I would be extremely disappointed if the standard gave this guy any sort of oxygen. He is not worthy of such a post. Are human rights worthy of a post? Yes. Then cover someone else
Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote that the degree of civilisation in a society is revealed by entering its prisons. So I do think it’s relevant to discuss what the NZ minimum treatment of prisoners actually is (and that’s exactly what this guy deserves, the absolute minimum). My feeling is that at the moment, the authorities consider he remains a danger and communication with similar minded individuals in particular is putting others at risk. Again, guessing, but I would think they have looked at the Breivik trial and are learning lessons from that process.
Yes te reo. I am not saying punish the bastard etc etc. I just think let’s not give him any attention. The article is click bait. I choose to read the stories of the victims and the heroes.
I am going to ask you again not to publish anything about the gunman and his human rights.
If we need to do something on human rights in nz prisons, by all means. There has been the recent case of women and internal examinations . Maybe invite someone to take that up. Or get Arthur TAYLOR to do a guest post.
I would find it extremely disappointing if the standard offered a post about the gunman, his human rights or anything about him at all……..
Ok trp. Since you are one of the editors here I accept and understand such decisions are in your control.
I will have to see what Peter writes. I am not sure I agree with you that mine is a straw man’s arguement because Peter brought up the need for such an article in the context of a stuff article about his conditions and then further posted about the conditions themselves. I think it was reasonable for me to assume that an article by Peter would be abou/include the gunman. I do hope I am wrong about this.
I do actually trust that the gunman is being attended to in prison as set out in ours laws. I do hope that if people have concerns they will take those to their MPs or the human rights commission if they care about it enough.
The gunman has a very grim life ahead of him of that there is no doubt.
I prioritize my empathy and compassion for the innocent victims of this terrible crime. I also think it is important that we do everything to stop it happening again and the evidence I have heard to date is to starve him of any publicly whatsoever
Yep that would be the final nail for me. Fighting all the white fright here is too much. The racism on TS is chronic and not a safe space for anyone interested in indigenous rights. Very toxic environment at the moment.
Anyway this is our society, our world. For this country to truly embrace the wonderful change so needed, we need this group to lower themselves. Ha will they fuck. So the battle continues – we have change beginning – now time to build momentum!
Lol I am a shocker alright – and I’m not worried about you anymore am I? Maybe I’m not the big bad wolf after all – or maybe I am. I have exceptional intuition.
Marty, you’re also quite aware of yourself in various ways…and comfortable enough to call yourself out on it…and then apologise for it…
I would say that your intuition levels will likely match self awareness levels…
The more time we invest in self evaluating and seeking improvements in our own selves…is often matched with being able to interpret the world around us with deeper understanding…
maybe the article should not so much be about the white supremacist killer but rather of our prison conditions in itself, and how ineffective prison is in terms of reducing crime overall.
Did Andrew Little not speak about prison reform or has that been put on ice?
“New Zealand’s latest UN human rights review is being overseen by Brazil, Slovakia, and Saudi Arabia, despite the latter Arab kingdom being widely criticised over its human rights record, particularly in regards to women.”
“The final report on New Zealand’s human rights record in 2019 will be prepared by those three nations, known as the ‘troika’, with assistance from the UNHCR.” Should be a humdinger, eh?
The brilliance of the UN decision to include Saudi Arabia as critic must be acknowledged. Rarely do bureaucrats provide such exemplary instances of bureaucratic decision-making. You can imagine how mortified the eurocrats will be feeling, having been out-classed so easily.
I look foreword to seeing the inclusion of the Saudi Arabia input in the final draft: “must enforce sharia law”. Frantic masking attempts by others may be evident, and wouldn’t surprise me if “not enough amputations” is deleted.
Te Reo Putake, I am flat out this week work wise, but will do next week. This is something I feel very strongly about for personal and societal reasons.
so you want to make him the ‘man in the mask’? An object of future folklore, myth and legend?
if we don’t watch out, in ten years time when we commemorate the killed we will end up discussing with others if it happened, if the killer was white, a man, young, fairly rich etc etc and if that is not just something made up.
that is the other side of throwing people in an oubliette to satisfy our base needs for revenge.
We must never try and erase this from our memories even though we may want to. We can never separate the act from the actor and no matter how painful, not matter how disgusted we are, we have to find a way to deal with in a humane way that defines us as people.
A tendency to skip a fair trial process and deny the accused his basic human rights or do much worse (…) amounts to lowering us down to his level at which he butchered innocent people like animals with complete and utter disregard for their humanity. If we allow this to happen we will be a step closer to evil not a step away from it IMO.
He does have rights, the same we would all expect to get. However, if there are reasons, understandably due to the terrorist nature of his ‘alleged’ crimes, why he isn’t permitted phone calls and visitors, then that’s okay.
The last thing the country needs is for justice not to be seen to be done and some smart lawyer using errors to get this bag o shite off.
Fair arrest, fair trial, and hopefully whatever the NZ equivalent is of @ her majesty’s pleasure when it comes to a fair sentencing to ensure this murderer never walks amongst us again.
For sure. I’m a little confused when some commenters are saying his basic human rights are being abused when clearly they are not.
He’s well looked after. Better than many, many people in New Zealand right now.
As with many narcissistic psychopaths has chosen to represent himself and will have to apply for certain information in support of his defence. I guess he’ll have to be quite specific.
I agree, but to be honest, I don’t care if he gets above and beyond at this moment in time, just as long as it doesn’t affect the outcome of the trial.
He should still stand trial but absolute black should be in place and then off to prison as a number for the rest of his life . No one will forget it happened
And all the talk in the future will be about whether he got his human rights and his victims, the dead and injured and distressed people will be given cursory thought.
Peter Christchurch NZ
You remind me of The Clockwork Orange – a right little pervert and psychpath (is it all right to use that word?) is caught and all are shocked at the depravity of his actions and mind. Then after giving him aversion therapy and letting him out again feeling vulnerable public opinion swings around and is all weepy on his side. In the end he is unaverted?
If people can decide what is safe and reasonable control of this little shooter and sll of his ilk and keep him in prison till he is too old to shoot, if he isn’t going to have a death sentence, then we can stop worrying about him all and put that effort into whether some are in jail that could be worked with outside to turn their lives around, that would be good.
i doubt they will be forgotten. I really do. At least i don’t intend to forget them, and i would venture you don’t either.
But we already have people here in NZ and elsewhere denying that he is the killer, that the killing happened and so on and so on. So really the onus is on us to be accurate in our reporting, not only of the victims but also of the killer. At the end of it the killer will be nothing more then a footnote, albeit a footnote that can be fact checked. And so it should be.
He will be spending a lot of time in prison, but our society should also be measured how we treat the least among us. Unless really you suggest taht we do go back to the days hanging, drawing and quartering. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanged,_drawn_and_quartered
“The Act also states that these entitlements can be withheld “if there is an emergency in the prison or the security of the prison is threatened or if the health or safety of any person is threatened”.
A prison director may also deny a prisoner access to the minimum entitlements if they are in segregation “for purposes of security, good order, or safety; or for the purpose of protective custody”.”
Edit… Personally I’m more concerned that he is representing himself, Ted Bundy springs to mind….
Yes, that is the justification quite rightly used, but to deny all contact with other humans (visitors etc), and the outside world (TV – which can be and is restricted for some prisoners – for example exclusion of news channels which can now be done in prisons) (reading material etc), this is not justified. Mentally destroying him is not the punishment prescribed by our laws, particular for someone who is ‘innocent until proven guilty’.
The main issue is this regime is open ended, which I would be surprised has ever before been applied in NZ.
Age 16 I spent a week in the hole for saying ‘fuck’ to an officer. I was not allowed in my bed unless sleeping time because army corners and folds and creases… so sit on edge no stool, or sit on toilet… had no writing materials no reading materials no contact except meals arriving and being taken to a yard (concrete room, wire roof) to peel potatoes for several hours a day.
I do not think it was this experience that gave me concern for the system.
Quite the contrary, I had good time to reflect on my own idiocy rather than being yelled at and bullied all day in the camp. I also became a dab hand at peeling potatoes, and was effective helping Mum cater for church camps when I got out, whereas before I’d agree to help and drift off to smoke dope.
That loser in a cell overdosed on media. Thought he’d splash his horror to the world as a viral virus. He failed. He wants to see himself in print. He failed. May he be left to think about it for a very very long time.
Yeah I was going to read that article and then instead I read about the heroes of that day and the biographies of those who died. I had it in mind it would be good to launch a campaign for people to not click on anything to do with the gun man or the trial.
And put it on the list of abuse of human rights if you like. Amesty or a human rights lawyer can take it up if they like…..imho the shooter would be on the bottom of the list of causes to take up. I would prioritize a million people ahead of him. And if people do want to, please do it behind closed doors
Ank, I think a lot of the posters on here seem to be missing the point. It is in no way about HIM. As an individual, I really could not care too much. It is about the legal and moral rights of us all.
I certainly hope I never again read another post on TS criticizing the US action in Gitmo, as clearly the posters here thoroughly approve, as the US used the same justifications
I get where you are coming from, which is broadly the same as me. Only difference is as I keep saying, human rights are universal, even to those we despise, lest we become like those we despise.
… human rights are universal, even to those we despise, lest we become like those we despise.
QED
Indeed, defending his or any prisoner’s rights is not defending him or his actions – Golriz Ghahraman or any (Human Rights) lawyer for that matter can tell you that and remember how much flak she copped. FWIIW, he’s been accused, not yet (!) convicted.
At the same time, defending his rights, despite his alleged terrorist actions that killed 50 innocent people, is defending our humanity. People seem to overlook this aspect.
We have fought for Human Rights, for fair trials and justice, and a rule-based society with a democratically elected government. It is not perfect, far from it and there’s a lot of work to do, but we cannot let the actions of one man undo the hard work of many good people over many years to allow an equally barbaric mob rule dictate how we deal with this. The next step on our descend into chaos would be to all arm ourselves with guns …
Posted to Ecosophia, this excellent point on socialist economic policy, well-worth recycling here: “people get up to all kinds of positive things when they’re not obliged to chase the next meal. In the UK, many of the biggest and most famous music bands the country produced between the 60s and the 80s were only able to get started because of very lax rules about unemployment benefits.”
“Musicians would claim the dole and use that to live while they got up to speed with their skills. Sure, most bands that did that disappeared without trace, but the ones that made it big probably repaid the entire money spent in terms of soft power, taxes, etc. Similarly, one would expect to see more garage inventors hoping to be the next Apple or Microsoft. So, there are good arguments to hope that a UBI might pay for itself.” https://www.ecosophia.net/march-2019-open-post/
In a local context Helen Clarke’s government early 2000’s had a scheme, I forget the name, but basically artists could have a go at being artists with a benefit available.
There were hoops to jump through but not restrictive: workshop type places, at least in Auckland, where one could find assistance and encouragement, and be schooled in stuff like marketing, time management, and things collectively decided on.
I did not like the workshops so much but the freedom to concentrate on the arts, rather than feel obliged to seek full time work, really took a lot of pressure off.
In that climate I started touring comics. We had so much talent and so little work. I grabbed (some of) who I perceived to be promising and took them to small towns who loved hosting us. Many of those ‘long term unemployed’ given a bit of leeway from that period are now full time writing acting and performing comedy, satire, chat, other media…
Some are a big deal, and have elevated NZ’s profile on the world stage.
In the bigger picture, for this cohort, lending artists some rope worked. It stands to reason creatives in many fields would benefit from taking the pressure off aka UBI.
Good feedback, WTB. So it worked here too. Govt policies that have been proven to work are the best ones to recycle – or re-apply in different contexts.
I’d like to see coalition + Greens advocating a UBI on this basis. Rarely do contributors to public discussion of socialism provide such examples of how it can work in practice, to serve our common interests & enhance the common good.
Best way forward would be to signal a UBI stakeholder conference for their second term, with the intention of establishing a bipartisan consensus, and campaign on that basis next year.
Greens are looking at how a UBI, can work.
Many practicalities to work through
For one, the cost is immediate, but the benefits could take more than the normal political cycle.
Especially as it means the wealthy would have to pay taxes. The CGT, shows how well that goes down.
Labour has been inept for years marketing the CGT. I expect the coalition to demonstrate more finesse. I hope James will take the lead in explaining how to create the essential centrist consensus to secure the public buy-in (only needs around 60% of voters to feel the overall design is unproblematic).
The crucial thing to make the consensus happen is to get the mix right (I’d include ftt, pollution taxes). Bake a cake that most people like eating. So the design of the recipe is what they must focus on getting right first. Palatability will then hinge on reduction of income tax sufficiently to enable voters to see the mix as a fair deal…
Polls show the majority agree with a CGT.
Anything which reversed the almost 50% tax cuts, the well off had had since the 80’s, was always going to get massive kick back and propaganda.
Labour has been missing in action about the need for taxes, for decades.
They had their chance recently of linking deteriorating hospitals, waiting lists, more expensive services to repeated tax cuts.
But senior members of the Labour cabinet are still fixated on Neo-Liberal, trickle down.
“During a recent trip to the southern Texas county of Hidalgo, where barriers are currently under construction, she was struck most by the numbness she encountered. “Nobody speaks about it,” she said, apart from anti-wall activists. In Brownsville, Texas, near a former Walmart where children are now detained, diners at a McDonald’s ignored the calamity next door; residents throughout the region had lost track of whether the monitoring towers above them, designed to track movements on the ground, were operative. At the same time, the sense of being watched was pervasive. Locals warned her not to speed because, they said, the area was crawling with law-enforcement officers. “The mental illness related to the wall is also related to the surveillance that goes with it,” Vallet told me. Such surveillance is part of the dystopian atmosphere that walls create.”
Immanuel Kant was an influential German philosopher. In his view, the mind shapes and structures experience, with all human experience sharing certain structural features… …Kant’s views continue to have a major influence on contemporary philosophy, especially the fields of epistemology, ethics, political theory, and post-modern aesthetics.
Philosophy Tube is a great channel with very informative videos about philosophy, it’s history and it’s ramifications. This video discusses the often-unmentioned history of racism and bigotry in the philosophy of Kant, one of the philosophers with the greatest impact on modern thought. It’s a long one (with a bad Australian accent in the cold open), but well worth it.
I am going to put out the call for no articles to appear on the Standard about the gunman, his trial or his human rights. If people such as Peter are so very concerned about this take it to Andrew little or his local MP.
In all honesty what is an article on the standard going to achieve. It is not going to get someone in the position of power to change the gunmans circumstances. We can “debate on the Standard all we like, but that doesn’t change anything in the real world.
Peter you are entitled to be concerned about the gunman. But if your concern is genuine, take some action that might led to change. Don’t raise it here. Nothing will come of it. Nothing can come of it.
[Yeah, nah. TS authors will write whatever they want to, whenever they want to. And you are putting words in Peter’s mouth. If he chooses to write a post, it should be addressed on its merits, not on your strawman positing of what he is going to write before he has even written it. Final point, the terrorist’s judicial rights are my rights and yours too. He will be treated according to NZ law, which is as it should be. TRP]
Ok trp. Since you are one of the editors here I accept and understand such decisions are in your control.
I will have to see what Peter writes. I am not sure I agree with you that mine is a straw man’s arguement because Peter brought up the need for such an article in the context of a stuff article about his conditions and then further posted about the conditions themselves. I think it was reasonable for me to assume that an article by Peter would be abou/include the gunman. I do hope I am wrong about this.
I do actually trust that the gunman is being attended to in prison as set out in ours laws. I do hope that if people have concerns they will take those to their MPs or the human rights commission if they care about it enough.
The gunman has a very grim life ahead of him of that there is no doubt.
I prioritize my empathy and compassion for the innocent victims of this terrible crime. I also think it is important that we do everything to stop it happening again and the evidence I have heard to date is to starve him of any publicly whatsoever
Ok trp. Since you are one of the editors here I accept and understand such decisions are in your control.
I think you misunderstand how TS functions. Authors have almost full autonomy over their posts and don’t need ‘approval’ from Editors (I happen to be an Editor, whatever that means).
It is a very sensitive issue that’ll require very careful wording and I’d highly recommend proofreading by others before publication to avoid chaos …
Personally, I think it would be good to pry open some minds – please keep in mind that for every commenter here there are many more ‘silent’ readers (AKA lurkers) – but I think the risks are too high with uncertain benefits …
So do you have any suggestions.
TRP has asked Peter to email an article to him/her. “The authors of The Standard will write whatever they want to whenever they want to”
I have asked that we don’t write about the gunman, but it seems that trp doesn’t agree.
An editor compared to an author has an ability to edit posts and comments in names other than their own.
Incognito has it mostly because of their service in making sure we get Open Mike each day. It means that “notices and features” can be set as the author rather than “Incognito”.
Normally editor status is given to allow moderation of comments for other authors posts.
I (as super-admin) get involved when editors start modifying or removing posts from other contributors / authors / editors / admins. It is a sure sign that we have a inter-personal problem. But it has been worth leaving in to make sure that if something really goes wrong, it can be dealt with fast.
Authors have almost full autonomy over their posts and don’t need ‘approval’ from Editors
Mike and I tend to be the “almost”. But TRP is correct about the
TS authors will write whatever they want to, whenever they want to
… that is the way that we have run the site for the last decade. I’ll get concerned about legal issues since I’m the one who gets that frame. Over the decade there have been a few issues that I have dealt with – rapidly and with extreme prejudice. But generally there have been bugger all of those. The authors want to publish here.
Similarly there have been various ideological disagreements. Generally I tend to leave these to be dealt with robust discussions between authors or commentators and authors.
But commentators can’t trash authors because the site needs them to provide well written and argued starter topics. Since the foremost reason for authors to stop doing that is getting stupidly abused by commentators (other authors know how damn hard it is – so tend not to), moderators are ruthless at discouraging author trashing.
But commentators can disagree with authors posts- they just have to be able to do it with rational arguments that largely avoid the personal attacks. Sometimes witty denigration about someone who could hold those ideas mixed in with arguments can get past that – but it is a matter of risk to those making the comments.
But outside of those bounds we run either complete freedom for authors, or they don’t have author access.
Ankerrawshark could ask if authors would like to not write about the gunman. It is up to authors if they want to.
It’s worth noting here that in a historic context there is good reason to think it was Islam itself which introduced the concept of ‘everyone as equals before the law’ into the West.
For much of our prior history the underlying idea behind kingship (or the local equivalent) was broadly modeled as ‘God’s representative on earth’. It’s why monarchs held absolute power, placed themselves above it, and were able to exempt themselves from it. It’s why killing the king was a special category of crime, above and beyond the usual murder.
By contrast Muhammad explicitly placed the idea of ‘the submission of all to God’ at the centre of his doctrine. And critically made the political rulers equally subject to the law as anyone else. This was one of the major innovations which made the early Muslim empire so successful and enlightened for the era.
History strongly suggests that the West adopted this idea from the schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and over the course of the Renaissance extended it to embrace the modern legal system of rights and responsibilities, inalienable from the dignity and worth of every individual.
In my view, the idea of universal human rights originate from Islam. It would a terribly irony if we were to now walk back from them, in the name of honouring this Muslim victims of this terror.
Just an update, although others may have heard this sooner. The gunman has made a formal complaint. I trust it will be taken seriously and whatever the appropriate action (including nothing changes) , will be taken
Stephen Moore, the economics commentator chosen by Donald Trump for a seat on the Federal Reserve board, was found in contempt of court after failing to pay his ex-wife hundreds of thousands of dollars in alimony, child support and other debts.
Trump’s Federal Reserve pick owes $75,000 in taxes, US government alleges
Court records in Virginia obtained by the Guardian show Moore, 59, was reprimanded by a judge in November 2012 for failing to pay Allison Moore more than $300,000 in spousal support, child support and money owed under their divorce settlement.
Divert attention from one crisis by exacerbating the problems driving another crisis.
In a decision that may have the opposite effect of its intended impact, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has followed President Trump’s direction and ordered the State Department to cut off U.S. aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
Mr. Trump indicated on Friday he would be cutting aid to the countries as punishment for their inability to stem the flow of migrants heading to the southern U.S. border. The countries affected make up the so-called “Northern Triangle” and account for the majority of Central American migrants who are crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Interesting. Notice how both Morgan & Simmons avoid the elephant in this room: why he resigned. Perusing the top 10 policies, I feel the mix is quite good, but not really good enough. Vernon Tava seems to have formed the same opinion, but it remains to be seen whether his effort to target the same market is any better.
Morgan made it clear right from the very early days that if TOP did not get over the 5% threshold in 2017 he would not hang about making a nuisance of himself. He put this in one of TOP’s early newsletters I used to get, long before the election.
There’s no need to postulate some nefarious reason for his withdrawal, Morgan’s just following through on what he said he would do.
Okay, but it still seems like a repudiation of his creation! Does he not even comprehend the concept of political support?? Is he really `my way or the highway’ – a narcissist? Or have they adopted principles and policies he is opposed to? That would explain it better.
That’s what I was getting at. It would be interesting to know. The impression he’s leaving in the public mind is that he lacks character – or sufficient judgment to realise that folks will wonder if he is merely a dilettante. Reputational risk…
I’ve never met Morgan, but I’m still donating to a UNICEF project he kickstarted back sometime in 2005 maybe, that was building water supply systems in third world countries.
Back then the approach was the same, he’d match dollar for dollar donations up to a certain limit (several million IIRC) and then let his creation forge it’s own path with the initial momentum he had given it. And more than a decade later it’s still taking my money and sending the odd email telling me what it’s doing with it.
Morgan’s relationship with TOP is entirely consistent with this. He’s definitely a non-standard character, and I get that many people don’t gell with him at all.
It’s often said that we all stand on the shoulders of giants as we make progress; Morgan has more of knack of standing on their toes 🙂
Go away and take your stupid exploitation tools with you is my wish.
“Offshore deep-water oil and gas exploration drilling in the Great South Basin is back on the cards, after Austrian-owned OMV applied for a marine consent to operate in the southern ocean.
No final decision has been made on drilling in the Great South Basin, which lies to the east and far south of Dunedin, but a rig to be used for drilling in Taranaki could come south.”
Kia ora Newshub big fire at Hamilton dump Rotorua rubbish goes there to.
I Say Winston is correct Bruni is going backwards with its human rights laws WTF.
With China if you live in a glass house don’t throw stones Eco Maori says.
Paddy the police force will never admit they are wrong stop chacing young children they will just flee. It’s a natural response for tamariki.
Facebook any publicity is good publicity?????????????.
Thanks to Jan for this law that Wahine will get 10 days pay for family violence some Wahine are trapped in bad relationship and need all the help they can get to break the violence cycle in some families Ka pai.
That is cool a army NZ force with out guns in Bogenvile awesome.
Ka kite ano. P.S some people think they can Pukana Eco Maori with no consequence
Kia ora Te ao Maori News
Its a sad day when a Wahine has to sell her Whare to raise money for her childs health care hope they running a givealittle page as well.
It good they are getting donations from Te tangata.
I Back having more Maori at selected committees and other important discussion happing around the motu they don’t understand were we are coming from in a lot of OUR consenrns we will need big – – – – to educated the people who run NZ.
Its cool that the announcement for Shearing are trying to get how Maori names are pronounced
The minamim wage went up to ka pai Ka kite ano
Kia ora The AM Show The minamim pay rise of $1.17 a hour rise is needed the cost of living has gone through the roof business need to be innovative to get more income to pay for it.
I SEE you and your ausse m8 having fun at my expense duncan Ma te wa Australia has some of the best conditions in the world for green solar and wind power but scotmo is OWNED by the oil barron he is backing carbon even when green energy is cheaper green energy does not use much water carbon use heaps on the dryest country in the world you think he would try and save water for the Australian environment. The people with familys get a child benefit the young and the old people with no children are struggling as they don’t get that subserdise state services the benefits system put these 2 groups of people at a disadvantage it mite be a bit hard for a ighty to grasp that reality. The Tauranga Street sleeper ban new law is kicking someone when they are down I sure its better to use the carrot and not the stick in most situations the Tauranga council should be helping there people not kicking them
NO need to comment on simon I don’t kick a person when they are down. That a very interesting debate pizza when we have storms wreaking countries that is the issue you should be taking about GLOBAL WARMING CLIMATE CHANGE. The oil barron money must be sweet Sips is doing a crap job they need a total over haul and have more Maori tikanga . Ka kite ano
Eco Maori agrees that climate change is going to have a major impact on MAORI and the rest of the common poor tangata
Climate change to have ‘significant impact’ on Māori businesses
Leaders in iwi and Māori fisheries are worried about climate change and how badly it may hit them. ka kite ano P.S did you see the pizza show
Here you go Whanau another case that lets the common person know that the wealthy make our LAWS TO serve them first THEYnever admit LIABILITY CHEATS
Who is paying for Monsanto’s crimes? We are A US court ordered Monsanto to pay $80m in damages because it hid cancer risks. That’s a small consolation for victims
While Bayer may dole out a few billion dollars in damages, who is really being made to pay?’ Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
The chickens are coming home to roost, as they say in farm country.
For the second time in less than eight months a US jury has found that decades of scientific evidence demonstrates a clear cancer connection to Monsanto’s line of top-selling Roundup herbicides, which are used widely by consumers and farmers. Twice now jurors have additionally determined that the company’s own internal records show Monsanto has intentionally manipulated the public record to hide the cancer risks. Both juries found punitive damages were warranted because the company’s cover-up of cancer risks was so egregious. Ka kite ano links below.
Kia ora Newshub
I give my condolences to the whano who lost there love ones in those automobile accidents.
I think it’s is good that OUR Prime minister is in China as for the Huawei I don’t see a problem with China tec I see trump is behind the propergander plan and simply.
Who built a dump by Tangaroa even if they built it 30 years ago.
Yes it sad about the environment desaster in The Solomon Islands.
News Hub its cool you are telling the story about CMV virus it sounds like quite a bad virus that affects hupu Wahine that is not well published very much
You see how the authorities treat Maori communities with the rail bridge deaths they class Maori as fools that’s their argument for not slowing the trains going over the bridge if it was a wealth part of town all the stops to lower the risk would be pulled out to save their tamariki. Ka kite ano
Kia ora Te ao Maori News
Tangata whenua O Atoearoa have much in common with the Chinese tangata they open the biggest NZ embassy in China to. Meng Foon is retireing from the Gisborne mayor’s office thanks for all the years of service to Te tairawhiti.
I just hope that the teachers are doing the correct thing.??????????????????.
All the best to our sports Stars. Ka kite ano
That’s cool that Disney on Ice is going to be using te reo I told you Whanau Maori culture is receiving Great recognition from the rest of Papatuanukue Ka kite ano
Kia ora The AM Show.
China has lifted hundreds of millions of there tangata out of poverty that speak a thousand words to Me.
I will give te whanau good advice about secess NEVER GIVE UP.
The $1000 Kiwi save is good but it need to be asset tested and capped as I know every wealth child’s is in Kiwi saver there parents accountant’s sign them up and they don’t need it I’m trying to get some people to put there tamariki savings into Kiwi saver I will keep trying there ears don’t work because of the Eco Maori effect.
I Back the climate change streakers in the gallery glueing there hands to the building good move to highlight climate change.
The crown is spending millions trying to keep a lid on Eco Maori. I have figured out that they are NOTHING TO in comparison ME. It’s going to be a good Autobiography lol.
Winston yes you have to have trust one also has to have your EYES Wide OPEN to whats is happening around Te Papatuanukue when assessing and applying that trust.
duncan you are prepositions the crown to break the human IGHTS Laws we need to make those laws stronger not weaker.
The weather around Te Papatuanukue has been very extreme we have just had one of the hottest years on record that gives Tawhirirmate more Mana.
All Aotearoa state vehicle fleet should be changed to electric vehicles they have the money to aim for the longterm fuel saving from electric and our Mokopunas environment needs to be saved. Good on the army involved in repairing the west coast bridge that Tawhirirmate broke it would be nice to see that kind of commitment to transport in Te tairawhiti and Te tai tokerou.?????????????????????Ka kite ano P.S Mokopuna dutys
Some Eco Maori Music for the minute Whanau the cops used the christchurch desaster to get there boss to aloud them to Apply emence INTIMADATION Pressure on ECO MAORI but they got Jack as usual.
Whanau you know NZ is classified as the 2nd least courpt country in the world YEA RIGHT what about Maori.
We die 10 to 20 years earlier than others we have the poorest people in the land we have the worst health Stats of any people in NZ OUR country Children are taken off family by the state In the highest numbers of any other people our children are abuse in large numbers by states people our education rates are low unemployment is the highest in the land We have the highest number of Women and men in jail in the WORLD. The rule classes try a blame this on Maori YEA RIGHT JUST A BIG LIE it’s instertutional racism at its best its that good the ruling classes LIE they have a lot of Maori covenced that if a Maori works hard head down ass up be good be nice to the neighbours you will be able to climb up to great heights on your LADDERs OF LIFE yea right not when you get tripped up at every corner by the cheating cops they will interfair in your work your personal life financially anyway they can stuff you up they will do it and not blink a EYE
What’s Worst is that the cops are breaking my right they are shitting on my family that I have built over 32 years. All the pollies know all the people in the know do to all the media people know what the cops are doing there dirty tricks on me. It doesn’t matter they are just MAORI WHO CARES so much for HONESTY it Is instertutional racism at it BEST in honest little NZ
Kia ora Newshub.
david seenothing star gazing
His opinion on the automatic gun ban is just about vote grabbing.
More roofing fraud the dirty buggers can’t help themselves robbing the innocent people.
I have said what I wanted last night on China and Aotearoa.
WTF someone using Maori to get publicity to promote their bait computer hack to get people to open the app and it gets to load it computer viruses Ka kite ano
Kia ora Maori television looks like you don’t want Eco Maori Tau toko because the cops are trying to brand Eco Maori like the shitty story about the people with ankle Bracelets on Ka kite ano. P.S the cop are breaking all the laws interviewing my whanau and playing with them as they don’t know the law they have no credible evidence to be able to get a warrant to investigate my whanau I’m going to SUE THERE ASSS OFF
Nash the police give the gangs time on the news the police have their own controls on NZ media hows – – – – was it good I see all
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Hi,From time to time, I want to bring Webworm into the real world. We did it last year with the Jurassic Park event in New Zealand — which was a lot of fun!And so on Saturday May 11th, in Los Angeles, I am hosting a lil’ Webworm pop-up! I’ve been ...
Education Minister Erica Standford yesterday unveiled a fundamental reform of the way our school pupils are taught. She would not exactly say so, but she is all but dismantling the so-called “inquiry” “feel good” method of teaching, which has ruled in our classrooms since a major review of the New ...
Exactly where are we seriously going with this government and its policies? That is, apart from following what may as well be a Truss-Lite approach on the purported economic “plan“, and Victorian-era regression when it comes to social policy.Oh it’ll work this time of course, we’re basically assured, “the ...
Hey Uncle Dave, When the Poms joined the EEC, I wasn't one of those defeatists who said, Well, that’s it for the dairy job. And I was right, eh? The Chinese can’t get enough of our milk powder and eventually, the Poms came to their senses and backed up the ute ...
Polling shows that Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has the lowest approval rating of any mayor in the country. Siting at -12 per cent, the proportion of constituents who disapprove of her performance outweighs those who give her the thumbs up. This negative rating is higher than for any other mayor ...
Buzz from the Beehive Pharmac has been given a financial transfusion and a new chair to oversee its spending in the pharmaceutical business. Associate Health Minister David Seymour described the funding for Pharmac as “its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff”. ...
Bryce Edwards writes – Many criticisms are being made of the Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill, including by this writer. But as with everything in politics, every story has two sides, and both deserve attention. It’s important to understand what the Government is trying to achieve and its ...
TL;DR: Here’s my top 10 ‘pick ‘n’ mix of links to news, analysis and opinion articles as of 10:10am on Monday, April 29:Scoop: The children's ward at Rotorua Hospital will be missing a third of its beds as winter hits because Te Whatu Ora halted an upgrade partway through to ...
span class=”dropcap”>As hideous as David Seymour can be, it is worth keeping in mind occasionally that there are even worse political figures (and regimes) out there. Iran for instance, is about to execute the country’s leading hip hop musician Toomaj Salehi, for writing and performing raps that “corrupt” the nation’s ...
Yesterday marked 10 years since the first electric train carried passengers in Auckland so it’s a good time to look back at it and the impact it has had. A brief history The first proposals for rail electrification in Auckland came in the 1920’s alongside the plans for earlier ...
Right now, in Aotearoa-NZ, our ‘animal spirits’ are darkening towards a winter of discontent, thanks at least partly to a chorus of negative comments and actions from the Government Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The KākāTL;DR: These are the six things that stood out to me in news and commentary on ...
You make people evil to punish the paststuck inside a sequel with a rotating castThe following photos haven’t been generated with AI, or modified in any way. They are flesh and blood, human beings. On the left is Galatea Young, a young mum, and her daughter Fiadh who has Angelman ...
The Government is again adding to New Zealand’s growing unemployment, this time cutting jobs at the agencies responsible for urban development and growing much needed housing stock. ...
With Minister Karen Chhour indicating in the House today that she either doesn’t know or care about the frontline cuts she’s making to Oranga Tamariki, we risk seeing more and more of our children falling through the cracks. ...
The Labour Party is saddened to learn of the death of Sir Robert Martin, a globally renowned disability advocate who led the way for disability rights both in New Zealand and internationally. ...
Labour is calling for the Government to urgently rethink its coalition commitment to restart live animal exports, Labour animal welfare spokesperson Rachel Boyack said. ...
Today’s Financial Stability Report has once again highlighted that poverty and deep inequality are political choices - and this Government is choosing to make them worse. ...
The Green Party is calling on the Government to do more for our households in most need as unemployment rises and the cost of living crisis endures. ...
Unemployment is on the rise and it’s only going to get worse under this Government, Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate grew to 4.3 percent in the March quarter from 4 percent in the December quarter. “This is the second rise in unemployment ...
The New Zealand Labour Party welcomes the entering into force of the European Union and New Zealand free trade agreement. This agreement opens the door for a huge increase in trade opportunities with a market of 450 million people who are high value discerning consumers of New Zealand goods and ...
The National-led Government continues its fiscal jiggery pokery with its Pharmac announcement today, Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall says. “The government has increased Pharmac funding but conceded it will only make minimal increases in access to medicine”, said Ayesha Verrall “This is far from the bold promises made to fund ...
This afternoon’s interim Waitangi Tribunal report must be taken seriously as it affects our most vulnerable children, Labour children’s spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime. ...
Te Pāti Māori are demanding the New Zealand Government support an international independent investigation into mass graves that have been uncovered at two hospitals on the Gaza strip, following weeks of assault by Israeli troops. Among the 392 bodies that have been recovered, are children and elderly civilians. Many of ...
Our two-tiered system for veterans’ support is out of step with our closest partners, and all parties in Parliament should work together to fix it, Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. ...
Stripping two Ministers of their portfolios just six months into the job shows Christopher Luxon’s management style is lacking, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said. ...
Tonight’s court decision to overturn the summons of the Children’s Minister has enabled the Crown to continue making decisions about Māori without evidence, says Te Pāti Māori spokesperson for Children, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. “The judicial system has this evening told the nation that this government can do whatever they want when ...
It appears Nicola Willis is about to pull the rug out from under the feet of local communities still dealing with the aftermath of last year’s severe weather, and local councils relying on funding to build back from these disasters. ...
The Government is making short-sighted changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) that will take away environmental protection in favour of short-term profits, Labour’s environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said today. ...
Labour welcomes the release of the report into the North Island weather events and looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that New Zealand is as prepared as it can be for the next natural disaster. ...
The Labour Party has called for the New Zealand Government to recognise Palestine, as a material step towards progressing the two-State solution needed to achieve a lasting peace in the region. ...
Some of our country’s most important work, stopping the sexual exploitation of children and violent extremism could go along with staff on the frontline at ports and airports. ...
The Government’s Fast Track Approvals Bill will give projects such as new coal mines a ‘get out of jail free’ card to wreak havoc on the environment, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said today. ...
The government's decision to reintroduce Three Strikes is a destructive and ineffective piece of law-making that will only exacerbate an inherently biased and racist criminal justice system, said Te Pāti Māori Justice Spokesperson, Tākuta Ferris, today. During the time Three Strikes was in place in Aotearoa, Māori and Pasifika received ...
Cuts to frontline hospital staff are not only a broken election promise, it shows the reckless tax cuts have well and truly hit the frontline of the health system, says Labour Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall. ...
The Green Party has joined the call for public submissions on the fast-track legislation to be extended after the Ombudsman forced the Government to release the list of organisations invited to apply just hours before submissions close. ...
New Zealand’s good work at reducing climate emissions for three years in a row will be undone by the National government’s lack of ambition and scrapping programmes that were making a difference, Labour Party climate spokesperson Megan Woods said today. ...
More essential jobs could be on the chopping block, this time Ministry of Education staff on the school lunches team are set to find out whether they're in line to lose their jobs. ...
Te Pāti Māori is disgusted at the confirmation that hundreds are set to lose their jobs at Oranga Tamariki, and the disestablishment of the Treaty Response Unit. “This act of absolute carelessness and out of touch decision making is committing tamariki to state abuse.” Said Te Pāti Māori Oranga Tamariki ...
The Government is trying to bring in a law that will allow Ministers to cut corners and kill off native species, Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said. ...
Cancelling urgently needed new Cook Strait ferries and hiking the cost of public transport for many Kiwis so that National can announce the prospect of another tunnel for Wellington is not making good choices, Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere said. ...
A laundry list of additional costs for Tāmaki Makarau Auckland shows the Minister for the city is not delivering for the people who live there, says Labour Auckland Issues spokesperson Shanan Halbert. ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today. "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today. Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
Good evening – Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us. ...
From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
Kiwi exporters are $100 million better off today with the NZ EU FTA entering into force says Trade Minister Todd McClay. “This is all part of our plan to grow the economy. New Zealand's prosperity depends on international trade, making up 60 per cent of the country’s total economic activity. ...
There are heartening signs that the extractive sector is once again becoming an attractive prospect for investors and a source of economic prosperity for New Zealand, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The beginnings of a resurgence in extractive industries are apparent in media reports of the sector in the past ...
The return of the historic Ō-Rākau battle site to the descendants of those who fought there moved one step closer today with the first reading of Te Pire mō Ō-Rākau, Te Pae o Maumahara / The Ō-Rākau Remembrance Bill. The Bill will entrust the 9.7-hectare battle site, five kilometres west ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has announced 25 new high-speed EV charging hubs along key routes between major urban centres and outlined the Government’s plan to supercharge New Zealand’s EV infrastructure. The hubs will each have several chargers and be capable of charging at least four – and up to 10 ...
The coalition Government will not proceed with the previous Government’s plans to regulate residential property managers, Housing Minister Chris Bishop says. “I have written to the Chairperson of the Social Services and Community Committee to inform him that the Government does not intend to support the Residential Property Managers Bill ...
The Government has announced an independent review into the disability support system funded by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha. Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says the review will look at what can be done to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Disability Support Services to provide disabled people and ...
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has attended the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva and outlined the Government’s plan to restore law and order. “Speaking to the United Nations Human Rights Council provided us with an opportunity to present New Zealand’s human rights progress, priorities, and challenges, while responding to issues and ...
The Government and Rotorua Lakes Council are committed to working closely together to end the use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua. Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing) Tama Potaka says the Government remains committed to ending the long-term use of contracted emergency housing motels in Rotorua by the ...
Trade Minister Todd McClay heads overseas today for high-level trade talks in the Gulf region, and a key OECD meeting in Paris. Mr McClay will travel to Riyadh to meet with counterparts from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). “New Zealand’s goods and services exports to the Gulf region ...
Education Minister Erica Stanford has outlined six education priorities to deliver a world-leading education system that sets Kiwi kids up for future success. “I’m putting ambition, achievement and outcomes at the heart of our education system. I want every child to be inspired and engaged in their learning so they ...
The new NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) App is a secure ‘one stop shop’ to provide the services drivers need, Transport Minister Simeon Brown and Digitising Government Minister Judith Collins say. “The NZTA App will enable an easier way for Kiwis to pay for Vehicle Registration and Road User Charges (RUC). ...
Whānau with tamariki growing up in emergency housing motels will be prioritised for social housing starting this week, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. “Giving these whānau a better opportunity to build healthy stable lives for themselves and future generations is an essential part of the Government’s goal of reducing ...
Racing Minister Winston Peters has paid tribute to an icon of the industry with the recent passing of Dave O’Sullivan (OBE). “Our sympathies are with the O’Sullivan family with the sad news of Dave O’Sullivan’s recent passing,” Mr Peters says. “His contribution to racing, initially as a jockey and then ...
Assalaamu alaikum, greetings to you all. Eid Mubarak, everyone! I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and everyone celebrating this joyous occasion. It is a pleasure to be here. I have enjoyed Eid celebrations at Parliament before, but this is my first time joining you as the Minister ...
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has announced Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, fixing a $1.774 billion fiscal cliff. “Access to medicines is a crucial part of many Kiwis’ lives. We’ve committed to a budget allocation of $1.774 billion over four years so Kiwis are ...
Hon Paula Bennett has been appointed as member and chair of the Pharmac board, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced today. "Pharmac is a critical part of New Zealand's health system and plays a significant role in ensuring that Kiwis have the best possible access to medicines,” says Mr Seymour. ...
Hundreds of New Zealand families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will benefit from a new Government focus on prevention and treatment, says Health Minister Dr Shane Reti. “We know FASD is a leading cause of preventable intellectual and neurodevelopmental disability in New Zealand,” Dr Reti says. “Every day, ...
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones today attended the official opening of Kaikohe’s new $14.7 million sports complex. “The completion of the Kaikohe Multi Sports Complex is a fantastic achievement for the Far North,” Mr Jones says. “This facility not only fulfils a long-held dream for local athletes, but also creates ...
Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ engagements in Türkiye this week underlined the importance of diplomacy to meet growing global challenges. “Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsula to represent New Zealand at Anzac commemorations was a sombre reminder of the critical importance of diplomacy for de-escalating conflicts and easing tensions,” Mr Peters ...
Ambassador Millar, Burgemeester, Vandepitte, Excellencies, military representatives, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen – good morning and welcome to this sacred Anzac Day dawn service. It is an honour to be here on behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand at Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood – a deeply ...
Distinguished guests - It is an honour to return once again to this site which, as the resting place for so many of our war-dead, has become a sacred place for generations of New Zealanders. Our presence here and at the other special spaces of Gallipoli is made ...
Mai ia tawhiti pamamao, te moana nui a Kiwa, kua tae whakaiti mai matou, ki to koutou papa whenua. No koutou te tapuwae, no matou te tapuwae, kua honoa pumautia. Ko nga toa kua hinga nei, o te Waipounamu, o te Ika a Maui, he okioki tahi me o ...
Paul Goldsmith will take on responsibility for the Media and Communications portfolio, while Louise Upston will pick up the Disability Issues portfolio, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced today. “Our Government is relentlessly focused on getting New Zealand back on track. As issues change in prominence, I plan to adjust Ministerial ...
Recreational catch limits will be reduced in areas of Fiordland and the Chatham Islands to help keep those fisheries healthy and sustainable, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. The lower recreational daily catch limits for a range of finfish and shellfish species caught in the Fiordland Marine Area and ...
Energy Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed an important milestone in New Zealand’s hydrogen future, with the opening of the country’s first network of hydrogen refuelling stations in Wiri. “I want to congratulate the team at Hiringa Energy and its partners K one W one (K1W1), Mitsui & Co New Zealand ...
The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has today outlined the first RMA Amendment ...
Overseas models for regulating the oil and gas sector, including their decommissioning regimes, are being carefully scrutinised as a potential template for New Zealand’s own sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. The Coalition Government is focused on rebuilding investor confidence in New Zealand’s energy sector as it looks to strengthen ...
By Stephen Wright and Stefan Armbruster of BenarNews Fiji’s ranking in a global press freedom index has jumped into the top tier of countries with free or mostly free media after its government last year repealed a draconian law that threatened journalists with prison for doing their jobs. Fiji’s improvement ...
We might be in Invercargill but all anyone can talk about is Gore. Specifically, Salford Street. That’s where three-year-old Lachlan Jones lived, south of the centre of town, between the A&P Showgrounds and the Mataura River. Roughly 1.2 km away from the single level home he lived in with his ...
MONDAY I lined up the latest round of civil servants from city hall against the wall, and signalled for the firing squad to drop their rifles. I stepped up onto a wooden crate to look at the office workers in the eye. But that didn’t feel right, so I found ...
Keen hiker and second-year MSc student Liam Hewson wears two hats when he’s in the great outdoors. “The scientist in me appreciates nature and goes, ‘Oh, there’s that thing and there’s another thing,’ but then the tramper and the outdoorsy person in me thinks, ‘Cool bush.’” Born and bred in ...
After a long and illustrious career as a goal kicker, Dan Carter’s favourite way to unwind is… kicking goals. Why can’t he get enough of it? And what it’s like to watch him do it for an hour straight? A semicircle of people wielding cameras and phones has formed in ...
Dame Susan Devoy takes us through her life in television, including late night ER debriefs, her proudest CTI moment and the show she watches in secret. Quite aside from her four world champion squash titles, Dame Susan Devoy will likely go down in history as one of the best Celebrity ...
Hera Lindsay Bird reveals the best places in Ōtepoti to score more for your apocalypse-prep book hoard.Sometimes I get the feeling I’ve been killed in a car crash, and this second half of my life is just the brain unspooling itself, like one of those episodes of a hospital ...
ThreeNow’s new murder mystery series takes us on a dark, damp journey into the Australian wilderness.This is an excerpt from our weekly pop culture newsletter Rec Room. Sign up here. High Country is ThreeNow’s new Australian eight-part crime drama, set in a remote part of the Victorian highlands. It tells ...
Introducing a new way to read The Spinoff every weekend. After nearly 10 years of being an online magazine, we’re finally embracing the weekend liftout. Despite our best efforts to convince you otherwise, writers and editors at The Spinoff don’t work weekend. It is through the sheer power of technology ...
Tip one: let yourself be nurtured by this big old man. Tip two: don’t ask him to adopt you. So, you’ve arrived at your first session with a new therapist. He tells you to make yourself comfortable and you opt for the tweed armchair, hoping it makes you look like ...
I didn’t know books could open you back up; that there were books that stayed with you, where reading was like a chemical event. I knew nothing.The Sunday Essay is made possible thanks to the support of Creative New Zealand.Not too long ago, I was listening to the American ...
Former Olympic swimmer James Magnussen has already started training for the Enhanced games, though says he won’t start taking performance enhancing substances until about nine months out from the competition. The Australian world champion was the first athlete to be announced by Enhanced, but he says the organisation has had ...
Everyone thinks he’s dead. Every day they expect his body to be washed up along the coast. Most likely up Karitane way, the way the tide’s running. But nobody’ll be too surprised if his body’s never found. Even in death he wouldn’t have wished for such attention. He would have ...
Council members voted 21 to 4 in favour of Ahluwalia returning to the Laucala campus following a much-awaited meeting in Vanuatu this week. It comes as USP and its two unions — the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and the Administration and Support Staff Union ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Henry, Professor & Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Social and Global Studies Centre, RMIT University Shutterstock Following an emergency meeting of the National Cabinet this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a raft of measures to tackle the problem ...
Analysis - A poll showing the opposition is more popular than the government raises questions, politicians go through their 'trial by pay rise' and a Green MP loses her cool in the debating chamber. ...
The entire stretch of Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast will be subject to a joint customary marine title for two hapū, and extending up to four miles out to sea. A High Court judge has found the two groups, who during the case settled a dispute over boundaries for ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Hall, Lecturer, Media & Cultural Studies, Edith Cowan University A longstanding feud between TikTok and Universal Music Group seems to have finally reached an end, with both parties signing a deal that will see Universal-backed music returned to the social media ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Siobhan O’Dean, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney After several highly publicised alleged murders of women in Australia, the Albanese government this week pledged more than A$925 million over five years ...
Political parties have now fully disclosed the donations they received last year - with National getting more than double the cash of any other party. ...
A Pacific regionalism expert has called out New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters for withholding information from the public on AUKUS military pact. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Richard de Grijs, Professor of Astrophysics, Macquarie University Bruno Scramgnon/Pexels All systems are “go” for tonight’s launch of China’s next step in a carefully planned lunar exploration program. Placed on top of a powerful Long March 5 rocket, the Chang’e 6 ...
National returned a massive donation the day after a Newsroom story linked the donors to a property being investigated for operating unlawfully as a migrant workers’ hostel. The party’s 2023 donation filings, released on Friday, show it returned a $200,000 donation from Buen Holdings on August 23. That was the ...
Pacific Media Watch New Zealand has slumped to an unprecedented 19th place in the annual Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index survey released today on World Press Freedom Day — May 3. This was a drop of six places from 13th last year when it slipped out of its ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Political Historian and Administrator Officer, Australian Historical Association, Australian National University Australia has had its fair share of public record-keeping controversies in recent years. Some have been mere farce, as in the case of two formerly government-owned filing cabinets (containing ...
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a United Nations-affiliated organization dedicated to fostering peace through civilian-led initiatives, has issued a statement in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. ...
A poem by Tessa Keenan, from AUP New Poets 10. Mātou These days we are a photograph; one of a farm strewn with cows that used to be bright harakeke or swamp. The kids point at it and say the sun sits behind a smudge (left by someone at Christmas); ...
The only published and available best-selling indie book chart in New Zealand is the top 10 sales list recorded every week at Unity Books’ stores in High St, Auckland, and Willis St, Wellington.AUCKLAND1 Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (Faber & Faber, $25)The masterful Irish writer ...
Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. Key facts Marriages and civil unions In ...
Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year. ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lennon Y.C. Chang, Associate Professor of Cyber Risk and Policy, Deakin University Taiwan stands out as a beacon of democracy, innovation and resilience in an increasingly autocratic region. But this is under growing threat. In recent years, China has used a variety ...
In this excerpt from her new memoir, Dame Susan Devoy remembers her turn as star contestant on the 2022 season of Celebrity Treasure Island. The most anxious time of every day was pre-elimination, when you knew this could be your final day on the show. I felt such contradictory emotions, ...
A week that began in triumph ended in an all-too-familiar disaster for the Green Party. Duncan Greive asks if there’s something in the mission that breaks its best and brightest. A long, strange week for the Green party began with a fantastic poll result. On one level this is hardly ...
By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific journalist Vanuatu’s former prime minister and opposition MP Ishmael Kalsakau has stepped down — just two days after he confirmed he was the rightful opposition leader. Kalsakau, MP for Port Vila, confirmed to ABC’s Pacific Beat, and the Vanuatu Daily Post on Thursday that he ...
What’s to blame for the coalition’s choppy start? Six months in, and the mojo meter is in the doldrums. A new poll would put National out of power and sees its leader, Chris Luxon, sliding in popularity. How much is it about policy, how much coalition management and a perception ...
The striking report goes far beyond the proposed repeal of the Oranga Tamariki Act’s Treaty of Waitangi provision, and its impact should be felt far beyond the unique circumstances of the claim it addresses. Earlier this week, the Waitangi Tribunal released an interim report on the government’s proposed repeal of ...
The world has been experiencing a productivity slowdown, from which New Zealand has not been exempt. COVID-19 temporarily boosted labour productivity, but more recently, productivity has retreated. The overall trend since 2007 has been one of slow productivity ...
What’s more wasteful than spending $315k on syrup and machine maintenance? Trying to drum up a controversy about it.Cast your mind back to the pre-pandemic idylls of 2019. A “rat” was a disgusting rodent and not a self-administered plague test; the sixth Labour government was in power; and the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Monash University Ken stocker/Shutterstock In the wake of numerous killings of women allegedly by men’s violence in 2024, thousands of Australians have joined rallies across the country to demand action ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Henry Cutler, Professor and Director, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University Oleg Ivanov IL/Shutterstock Waiting times for public hospital elective surgery have been in the news ahead of this year’s federal budget. That’s the type of non-emergency surgery ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow, Historical and Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne Amna Artist/Shutterstock One of the earliest descriptions of someone with cancer comes from the fourth century BC. Satyrus, tyrant of the city of Heracleia on the Black Sea, ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Rose, Professor of Sustainable Future Transport, University of Sydney LanaElcova/Shutterstock Electric vehicles are often seen as the panacea to cutting emissions – and air pollution – from transport. Is this view correct? Yes – but only once uptake accelerates. Despite the ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giselle Natassia Woodley, Researcher and Phd Candidate, Edith Cowan University There is widespread agreement Australia needs to do better when it comes to gender-based violence. Anger and frustration at the numbers of women being killed saw national rallies over the weekend and ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Graham, Lecturer in Economics, University of Sydney Mark and Anna Photography/Shutterstock As home ownership moves further out of reach for many Australians, “rentvesting” is being touted as a lifesaver. Rentvesting is the practice of renting one property to live ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sukhmani Khorana, Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, UNSW Sydney Netflix The new season of Heartbreak High is garnering mixed reviews. Critics are writing about the racy story lines, comparing it to other coming-of-age series about teenage relationships and ...
Bob Carr intends to launch legal action against Winston Peters and Julie Anne Genter is facing a second allegation of bullying. Both sucked the air out of an announcement on education, writes Anna Rawhiti-Connell in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in ...
In 1995, Sally Clark went out on her own in a bold and unorthodox attempt to join an illustrious group of equestrian riders conquering the world. In the days of glovebox road maps, brick cell phones, and the hit song How Bizarre, Clark refused to follow Sir Mark Todd, Blyth ...
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Beaglehole, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago niphon/Getty Images The number of people accessing medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Aotearoa New Zealand increased significantly between 2006 and 2022. But the disorder is still under-diagnosed and ...
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You could hardly describe the Republican Party as being soft on crime. Unless of course it is a war crime.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-says-navy-seal-accused-of-war-crimes-to-be-moved-to-less-restrictive-confinement?cmpid=prn_msn
Now I am the last to say that Eddie Gallagher should be treated unfairly or denied proper access to his legal defence team
Justice is supposed to be blind
Compare the case of Eddie Gallagher to another veteran who served their country, who also languishes in prison.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/mar/23/chelsea-manning-jail-solitary-confinement-wikileaks
An interesting read and very true – when racists think no one is watching they say and do stuff they would normally, shamefully, hide. But imo it’s not the hiding that is the problem it is the attitudes in the first place – hidden or not hidden the attitudes hurt EVERYONE including the racists.
https://e-tangata.co.nz/reflections/the-pros-and-cons-of-not-looking-maori/
I attended Chelsea Mannings address in the Auckland Town Hall last year. In answer to a questions from the floor, about her experience in prison, Manning said, ‘To survive the prisoners had to band together to protect themselves from the violence of the prison guards.’
So I can understand Chelsea Mannings special anxiety about being confined in solitary.
Gordon Campbell on the potential for Ardern’s representation of human rights to Xi: “It is also difficult to imagine that even a moral lecture by a New Zealand PM would do much to improve the lot of the persecuted, or make the tyrants mend their ways.”
A moral lecture would be exactly the wrong thing to deliver! Guaranteed to offend! No, she would have to be diplomatic to induce progress. Start with this question: “What will have to change in China before it becomes possible to allow Chinese citizens civil rights?”
Xi then has the option of choosing to evade or answer the question. He may say “We are communists, so we will never allow civil rights here. The hive mind must always prevail over individual free-will. Our people will continue to do as they are told.”
He may say “We have a five-year plan for that. We have many five-year plans! So many are in the pipeline at any one time that I really cannot tell you which one will emerge from the end of the pipe first, let alone second, third, fourth, or etc.”
http://werewolf.co.nz/2019/03/gordon-campbell-on-the-human-rights-dimension-of-jacinda-arderns-visit-to-china/
If Prime Minister Ardern can stand up for Muslim human rights here, she should have the courage to stand up for Muslim human rights in China, or anywhere.
If she doesn’t she is a fraud.
Big call, Ad! I predict that there will be no media report of her doing so. That may not mean she did not do so, of course. It may just mean that nobody in the media thought she would be so bold as to advocate civil rights for muslims to Xi – so they would be unlikely to think of asking her if she did that.
As I posted elsewhere, the international Muslim community largely supports China’s efforts in Xinjiang. It is Muslims themselves who understand best the horrors unleashed by religious extremism.
I think Muslim countries elsewhere remain quiet on the plight of the Uighurs in Xinjiang from self interest, not because they agree with them.
Many of these leaders are the recipients of Chinese bribes as part of the Silk Road initiative. Many of these countries are almost totally dependent on China for trade and aid.
Anyway, who cares what other Muslim countries think of this? Mass detention and forced ‘re-education’ is just plain evil.
… the international Muslim community largely supports China’s efforts in Xinjiang. [citation needed]
Actually ad, I disagree with you. I believe Ardern is absolutely genuine. She is also a pragmatist, which I greatly admire in her. I am sure she will mention human rights, but let’s face it, as was the case with the Australian detention centers there was nothing she could do or say that would shift them. She has led by example. I believe that has the biggest power to influence
You mean in the same way the deputy PM stood up to Erdogan? By taking a nap?
?
Shadrach ….not worth replying to
You are very black and white Ad. Remember, NZ generally does not interfere in another country’s internal affairs. However, the attack in NZ may give her an opening in her 10 hour widow. I think we have to stop asking for miracles though, and settle for a mortal woman doing her best.
He may say, ‘human rights in socialist paradise are best praxis in world, in WORLD,’ franky. What you say then?
Amen.
The thing is, most Chinese are fine with having no civil rights.
If you are struck by the oddness of contemporary life, Strange Planet, a series of cartoons by Nathan Pyle, is worth a look. https://www.instagram.com/nathanwpyle/
“Do you want to trap carbon dioxide in ephemeral spheres?”
“For what purpose?”
“Enjoyment.”
Thank you Stuart Munro…just what was needed at towards the end of one of those days.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12217785
Given that gangs are involved in the most gun crime and they are saying they won’t give up their guns – what’s going to be the reaction from Jacinda ?
She’s busy making normal law abiding citizens hand in theirs – she should come down on the gangs like a ton of bricks – but dollars to donuts she won’t.
That would be too hard.
Are you aware of Police operations in your area to make that kind of claim?
You need to back up what you are claiming.
Also, it would make sense for the Police to follow their stated police of enabling a gun amnesty, then awaiting the actual change of the law that they enforce before going in too much harder on semiautomatic gun owners who are gang members.
Or, as you expect, maybe the Police are now expected to enforce what a future law that isn’t even drafted is supposed to intend.
Remember that thing called the law?
It’s what the Police enforce.
Premature, James. Let the cops do their job, eh? If they fail, then the police minister would have to hold the commisioner accountable. It would only be appropriate for the PM to get involved if the normal processes of governance fail.
You reckon she should go round and grab them jimbo?
Gabby lol perfect response to James’s
James there will be fines and even imprisonment for people who don’t hand in their guns……..I am not even sure of why you raised this other than to do a “but Jacinda …..”
Is this the approach agreed on in your trolling supervision session?
Successive Governments both Labour & National have done nothing to combat organized crime and the gangs here in NZ, to the point now, where the gangs in NZ are now heavily armed and control the drug trade here in NZ ?
They probably have the best lawyers and accountants advising them how to invest the proceeds from their business activities ie cleansing the proceeds of crime ?
The average New Zealand taxpayer picks up the costs of these gang activities, police time, judiciary time, prison time, mental health problems and the other associated social problems associated with drug dealing & distribution ?
James all the gangs in NZ are armed to the teeth they need the weapons to protect themselves from the other gangs, weapons and drugs are mutually inclusive if you are involved in the narcotics trade which most NZ gangs are ?
Natrad this morning….Insight feature on our appalling Rheumatic Fever rates…a disease that almost exclusively blights Maori and Pacifica peoples.
https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/insight/audio/2018686731/nz-s-heart-breaker-rheumatic-fever-rates-on-the-rise
Probably the closest Alex Jones has come to telling the truth in quite a while:
Infowars host blamed his mental state on the ‘trauma of the media and the corporations lying’, according to a deposition
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/mar/30/alex-jones-sandy-hook-claims-psychosis?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
So Alex Jones blamed his own psychosis on himself because he is a liar who runs his own powerful media corporation.
Guilty as charged your honour.
Nailed it Ad.
Alex Jones also believes that the US Givernment is involved in the Oklahoma City Bombing, 9/11 and Vaccines are deadly. Over the years there have been more than enough commentators on this site expressing the same sentiment. While the left like to class him as “alt right” (yawn…) the reality is he has views that fit all extremes of the political spectrum.
You mean he’s a populist? Next move then: establish the Alt-Right Party, run for president. Those alienated by the left & right were over 40% in a US poll I saw several months ago. Hoover them up & he can sail through the middle, side-lining the establishment no problem.
President Jones would be an exemplary demonstration of just how clever the policy of allowing mentally-ill folk to live in the community just like everyone else actually is. I anticipate a highly-entertaining presidency! Bring it on… 😎
Calling themselves the Alt-Right Party might offend the self-image of some of the voters that might otherwise go for them. Convergence Party might be a better name.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BCtXQt2CYAA1wLA.jpg
Good point. Might have to do a `nudge nudge, wink wink’ routine to suck in the alt-right. Nice graphic you got there!
Moonbat/Wingnut has a certain je ne c’est quoi to it, eh? From a branding perspective it could be the best bet! People go for wacky stuff big-time…
Probably right on 9/11 ?
I believe so.
Poor Alex.
https://twitter.com/thegoodgodabove/status/1112091561473593351
“you’re all pissed because you got one extra chromosome”
😆 And you’re an angry old white dude because you got one less 😆
FDOTM nails it as usual
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/29/good-to-hear-one-nation-doesnt-want-our-gun-laws-relaxed-it-certainly-sounded-like-it-did
I’m a little confused.
The farmer/Imam interviewed here…https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/countrylife/audio/2018688779/farming-and-faith-southland-dairy-farmer-and-spiritual-leader-reza-abdul-jabbar stated quite categorically the 51 people were murdered by the terrorist on the 15th. We received an email from an organization in Christchurch the other day also stating quite categorically that 51 people were murdered.
Yet all other reports say 50 people were murdered.
Which is correct?
Why would the figure be inconsistently published…
Surely there is a ‘single point of truth’…
Yes indeed One Two, one would think so. Especially when counting the fallen.
I flummoxed and confused.
This may be why
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12217794
I didn’t notice the Amnesty scandal featuring onsite here, so I’ll post a follow-up report: “Following the suicide of a staff member, Amnesty commissioned an independent review of its company culture, which found that some of its staff have been victims of bullying, public humiliation, discrimination, and abuses of power, and that these issues threaten the organisation’s credibility.”
“The report surveyed hundreds of employees as part of its investigation and found widespread mismanagement and a “toxic” work environment. According to the report, 39 percent of staff had developed mental or physical health issues because of working there, and 65 percent didn’t believe their well-being was a priority for Amnesty.”
https://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/talktojazeera/2019/03/amnesty-international-fix-toxic-work-culture-190328163244025.html
Amnesty head Kumi Naidoo began his role in August last year, and is looking to address these issues quickly. “Our organisation, set up in 1961, has added one layer of complexity after the other as it’s evolved, and to be honest we need a complete reorganising because, in fact, the very structure of Amnesty right now is a source of certain conflicts and tensions that we need to fix urgently,” he said.
He pointed out that Amnesty chose to make the report public, and that all seven members of its senior leadership team have accepted responsibility and offered to resign. To him, this transparency is a good first step.
“I am not saying it’s going to be easy for us to recalibrate and move forward with a healing approach, if you want, but the commitment is there from myself, the board, and all parts of the organisation and we are focused on acting on it,” he said. “One year won’t sort everything out. But the term ‘toxic’ is quite a loaded word. I think within a year, I want that word off the table.”
Gotta say, I’ve viewed Amnesty International as a deeply flawed organisation ever since they adopted Mumia Abu-Jamal as one of their poster-boys. Really, of the vast selection of people treated unjustly by justice systems, that’s one they chose to highlight?
There are a lot of very disturbing things happening since the ChCh massacre. This is one.
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12217805
Our very own Guantanamo prisoner. What happened to the rule of law and innocent to proven guilty? Make an exception in this case, and it will be the thin edge of the wedge. We can never pick and choose when the rule of law may or may not apply, no matter how appalling the crime maybe.
Come on TS! An article on this is important
What entitlement under law is he being denied?
Right to a fair trial?
Right to represent himself?
Right to evidence?
Right to an unbiased judge?
Right not to be shot while praying?
Thought not.
100% Ad
He is in solitary isolation in a 3 x 4m concrete and stainless steel box, with no natural light, for 24 hours a day (half hour in a wire cage a day in the open). Indefinitely. As he is on suicide watch, the lights will also be on 24 hours a day. This is standard in NZ for ‘at risk’ prisoners, but that is usually short term, not open ended.
Yes, this is for his own safety, but compounding his hell is that he is denied all visits, all outside media. This means no reading material, no opportunity to even hear another human voice except the three times a day he his fed his 1500 calories food per day. By the time of his trial (should he even receive one) his mental state will almost certainly be psychotic. We know this from other prisoners kept in solitary for extended periods.
There have already been many calls that he should not even receive a fair trial (like Kate Hawksby to name but one). Right to evidence? When someone is on remand, they are totally dependent on a lawyer and the whims of the Police as to what evidence they receive. Unbiased judge? There will almost certainly be political pressure applied to the judge.
Yeah. Guantanamo Bay. The crime was appalling. No question. But we do have a legal framework in NZ and it is fast being scrapped, like with the 16 year old kid in ChCh who was arrested on Thursday for sharing the killers video.
We rightly condemn the US actions in Guantanamo Bay, but I guess they would use the same justification as is being used here in NZ.
Oh fuck right off.
I can tell you that because of the extremely high profile of this guy everything will be done by the book because we all know that there’s plenty of wank stains out there just dying to put the boot into Corrections or sue Corrections or both just to make a name for themselves
Peter you did read the whole article from the herald?
Did you catch my comment at 11.6?
What a load of shit. He gets outside for an hour and human company 3 times a day (albeit briefly). Not everyone falls to pieces without company. He was a recluse anyway so he’s just peachy keen.
Well I certainly wouldn’t want this chap feeling isolated and lonely …I d have no problem with him being in general population 🙂
So you think it would be fine for the yet to be convicted, or the convicted, to receive violence and rape? Gee, I thought we had moved into more enlightened times. Obviously not.
You are the only one suggesting violence and rape Peter, no one else has mentioned it. JS
The implications of Barfly post are pretty clear to me, even if not to you.
Am well versed with corrections and what happens in prison Peter. But that’s not the point.
Its Barflys point.
So you think it’s cruel keeping him in the hole, but that it would be even crueler in general population?
Will check back later, trying to get my head around where you are coming from.
His total isolation from people (visitors who individually must be approved by Corrections which many any sympathizers will be weeded out), isolation of reading material. Keeping in a hole is a given at this point. The rest is unprecedented.
If you have difficulty to ‘ get my head around’ that, then I would kindly suggest you learn the art of reading and thinking. It really is not that hard, although I guess it is Sunday and often ones head is fuzzy on a Sunday morning.
He hasn’t been denied reading material so before you go pointing the finger at others I suggest you read your own link.
A Corrections spokesperson confirmed today that the man has “no access to television, radio or newspapers and has no approved visitors”.
It says nothing about books. He may even have access to pen and paper to further his literary career, who knows, but there’s nothing to suggest he’s undergoing some sort of sensory deprivation. And FYI, his complaint is in regard to visitors and phone calls, nothing else.
Breivik had a similar complaint:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/anders-breivik-norway-mass-murderer-appeal-european-human-rights-court-oslo-strasbourg-a8409861.html
It’s certainly a post worthy subject, Peter. As this seems to be a good weekend for new writers, how about to you have a crack and send it to me? I’ll edit it, find some links and put it up as a guest post.
tereoputake@gmail.com
And that’s an open invitation, folks. TS is always happy to look at publishing contributed posts.
Actually Te Reo Putake
I am going to ask you to reconsider that offer of a post from peter of Chch re the gunmans human rights. See my comments below. I think the less airtime we give to the gunman the better. There are likely hundreds of others whose human rights are being violated. Better to do a post on them.
The gunman will have access to legal redress. Let that happen outside the public gaze
This is just my opinion but I would be extremely disappointed if the standard gave this guy any sort of oxygen. He is not worthy of such a post. Are human rights worthy of a post? Yes. Then cover someone else
Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote that the degree of civilisation in a society is revealed by entering its prisons. So I do think it’s relevant to discuss what the NZ minimum treatment of prisoners actually is (and that’s exactly what this guy deserves, the absolute minimum). My feeling is that at the moment, the authorities consider he remains a danger and communication with similar minded individuals in particular is putting others at risk. Again, guessing, but I would think they have looked at the Breivik trial and are learning lessons from that process.
Yes te reo. I am not saying punish the bastard etc etc. I just think let’s not give him any attention. The article is click bait. I choose to read the stories of the victims and the heroes.
I am going to ask you again not to publish anything about the gunman and his human rights.
If we need to do something on human rights in nz prisons, by all means. There has been the recent case of women and internal examinations . Maybe invite someone to take that up. Or get Arthur TAYLOR to do a guest post.
I would find it extremely disappointing if the standard offered a post about the gunman, his human rights or anything about him at all……..
+100
Arthur Taylor! Are you serious???? I get the very clear impression that your knowledge of prisons and prisoners is somewhat thin.
Ok trp. Since you are one of the editors here I accept and understand such decisions are in your control.
I will have to see what Peter writes. I am not sure I agree with you that mine is a straw man’s arguement because Peter brought up the need for such an article in the context of a stuff article about his conditions and then further posted about the conditions themselves. I think it was reasonable for me to assume that an article by Peter would be abou/include the gunman. I do hope I am wrong about this.
I do actually trust that the gunman is being attended to in prison as set out in ours laws. I do hope that if people have concerns they will take those to their MPs or the human rights commission if they care about it enough.
The gunman has a very grim life ahead of him of that there is no doubt.
I prioritize my empathy and compassion for the innocent victims of this terrible crime. I also think it is important that we do everything to stop it happening again and the evidence I have heard to date is to starve him of any publicly whatsoever
Yep that would be the final nail for me. Fighting all the white fright here is too much. The racism on TS is chronic and not a safe space for anyone interested in indigenous rights. Very toxic environment at the moment.
Marty Mars I was going to say that too. Giving the gunman and space on this site would be the last straw for me too.
Yep its times like these I really miss weka.
Anyway this is our society, our world. For this country to truly embrace the wonderful change so needed, we need this group to lower themselves. Ha will they fuck. So the battle continues – we have change beginning – now time to build momentum!
Marty, you’re chronically rude and abusive to others here…
Abuse levels, are far above your claims of racism on this site…
Perhaps if you stopped name calling and believing you’re ‘in a fight’…it could assist with your anger levels…
And how you view/treat others at the blog…
Lol I am a shocker alright – and I’m not worried about you anymore am I? Maybe I’m not the big bad wolf after all – or maybe I am. I have exceptional intuition.
Marty, you’re also quite aware of yourself in various ways…and comfortable enough to call yourself out on it…and then apologise for it…
I would say that your intuition levels will likely match self awareness levels…
The more time we invest in self evaluating and seeking improvements in our own selves…is often matched with being able to interpret the world around us with deeper understanding…
Have a great Sunday arvo…
Too true you have a good one too one two.
We are not giving HIM the airtime. It is about the legal rights we ALL are entitled to.
Isn’t Arthur Taylor a proponent of prisoner legal rights?
maybe the article should not so much be about the white supremacist killer but rather of our prison conditions in itself, and how ineffective prison is in terms of reducing crime overall.
Did Andrew Little not speak about prison reform or has that been put on ice?
That’s exactly the content I would be hoping for, Sabine.
Here’s Andrew Little on things as they currently stand: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2019/01/new-zealand-s-justice-system-is-broken-andrew-little-tells-united-nations.html
Yep Sabine and Te Reo Putake, that is the issue. Not him per se.
“New Zealand’s latest UN human rights review is being overseen by Brazil, Slovakia, and Saudi Arabia, despite the latter Arab kingdom being widely criticised over its human rights record, particularly in regards to women.”
“The final report on New Zealand’s human rights record in 2019 will be prepared by those three nations, known as the ‘troika’, with assistance from the UNHCR.” Should be a humdinger, eh?
The brilliance of the UN decision to include Saudi Arabia as critic must be acknowledged. Rarely do bureaucrats provide such exemplary instances of bureaucratic decision-making. You can imagine how mortified the eurocrats will be feeling, having been out-classed so easily.
I look foreword to seeing the inclusion of the Saudi Arabia input in the final draft: “must enforce sharia law”. Frantic masking attempts by others may be evident, and wouldn’t surprise me if “not enough amputations” is deleted.
Te Reo Putake, I am flat out this week work wise, but will do next week. This is something I feel very strongly about for personal and societal reasons.
Good as gold, Peter.
If anybody else wants to write a post on the matter, the offer is open to all.
I’d be willing to share some inside stories, but only within a tasteful framework.
Solitary confinement sounds good. He’s guilty mate.
so you want to make him the ‘man in the mask’? An object of future folklore, myth and legend?
if we don’t watch out, in ten years time when we commemorate the killed we will end up discussing with others if it happened, if the killer was white, a man, young, fairly rich etc etc and if that is not just something made up.
that is the other side of throwing people in an oubliette to satisfy our base needs for revenge.
Na erasing him personally from history is a deterrent to the next psycho gun nut seeking fame .
I’m finding myself having a lot of sympathy for that view.
Agreed. His legend won’t grow from being erased from history – it’ll be just that, erased.
It certainly would grow if his followers were allowed access in order to distribute his white supremacist views though.
That would legitimise his actions which is what we are all against unless I’m mistaken.
Bwaghorn, Marty Mars in complete agreement
Completely and utterly disagree!
We must never try and erase this from our memories even though we may want to. We can never separate the act from the actor and no matter how painful, not matter how disgusted we are, we have to find a way to deal with in a humane way that defines us as people.
A tendency to skip a fair trial process and deny the accused his basic human rights or do much worse (…) amounts to lowering us down to his level at which he butchered innocent people like animals with complete and utter disregard for their humanity. If we allow this to happen we will be a step closer to evil not a step away from it IMO.
What are ‘his basic human rights’?
He’s getting food, water, clothing and warm dry shelter. That’s more than many NZ citizens right now.
He does have rights, the same we would all expect to get. However, if there are reasons, understandably due to the terrorist nature of his ‘alleged’ crimes, why he isn’t permitted phone calls and visitors, then that’s okay.
The last thing the country needs is for justice not to be seen to be done and some smart lawyer using errors to get this bag o shite off.
Fair arrest, fair trial, and hopefully whatever the NZ equivalent is of @ her majesty’s pleasure when it comes to a fair sentencing to ensure this murderer never walks amongst us again.
For sure. I’m a little confused when some commenters are saying his basic human rights are being abused when clearly they are not.
He’s well looked after. Better than many, many people in New Zealand right now.
As with many narcissistic psychopaths has chosen to represent himself and will have to apply for certain information in support of his defence. I guess he’ll have to be quite specific.
I agree, but to be honest, I don’t care if he gets above and beyond at this moment in time, just as long as it doesn’t affect the outcome of the trial.
Damnatio memoriae -and let the prick fade into obscurity.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damnatio_memoriae
Many of those living on the streets are not being that well looked after, he should count himself lucky and it is FOC ?
Yeah, perhaps his punishment should be to live like the bottom end of NZ society. Pretty sure he’d be gagging to get back into solitary at Paremoremo.
He should still stand trial but absolute black should be in place and then off to prison as a number for the rest of his life . No one will forget it happened
And all the talk in the future will be about whether he got his human rights and his victims, the dead and injured and distressed people will be given cursory thought.
Peter Christchurch NZ
You remind me of The Clockwork Orange – a right little pervert and psychpath (is it all right to use that word?) is caught and all are shocked at the depravity of his actions and mind. Then after giving him aversion therapy and letting him out again feeling vulnerable public opinion swings around and is all weepy on his side. In the end he is unaverted?
If people can decide what is safe and reasonable control of this little shooter and sll of his ilk and keep him in prison till he is too old to shoot, if he isn’t going to have a death sentence, then we can stop worrying about him all and put that effort into whether some are in jail that could be worked with outside to turn their lives around, that would be good.
Victims do not count in this day and age it’s all about prisoner’s rights ?
i doubt they will be forgotten. I really do. At least i don’t intend to forget them, and i would venture you don’t either.
But we already have people here in NZ and elsewhere denying that he is the killer, that the killing happened and so on and so on. So really the onus is on us to be accurate in our reporting, not only of the victims but also of the killer. At the end of it the killer will be nothing more then a footnote, albeit a footnote that can be fact checked. And so it should be.
He will be spending a lot of time in prison, but our society should also be measured how we treat the least among us. Unless really you suggest taht we do go back to the days hanging, drawing and quartering. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanged,_drawn_and_quartered
Correction’s motivations for putting him in this situation would be mostly for his own safety and the safety of other people in the institution.
If he was put into the general prison population he’d be crying that corrections aren’t looking after his safety and security.
“If he was put into the general prison population he’d be [dead already]”
FIFY.
Also from the same article Peter,
“The Act also states that these entitlements can be withheld “if there is an emergency in the prison or the security of the prison is threatened or if the health or safety of any person is threatened”.
A prison director may also deny a prisoner access to the minimum entitlements if they are in segregation “for purposes of security, good order, or safety; or for the purpose of protective custody”.”
Edit… Personally I’m more concerned that he is representing himself, Ted Bundy springs to mind….
Yes, that is the justification quite rightly used, but to deny all contact with other humans (visitors etc), and the outside world (TV – which can be and is restricted for some prisoners – for example exclusion of news channels which can now be done in prisons) (reading material etc), this is not justified. Mentally destroying him is not the punishment prescribed by our laws, particular for someone who is ‘innocent until proven guilty’.
The main issue is this regime is open ended, which I would be surprised has ever before been applied in NZ.
I doubt that being chucked in the hole up at ‘pari’ is anything like Guantanamo Bay.
Anyways, I’m outta here, got jobs to do, and have paid more than enough attention to said topic atm.
Enjoy your day, the weather is stunning.
Maybe you should talk to some people who have been there. They would differ in their views, and that is without the almost total sensory deprivation.
Age 16 I spent a week in the hole for saying ‘fuck’ to an officer. I was not allowed in my bed unless sleeping time because army corners and folds and creases… so sit on edge no stool, or sit on toilet… had no writing materials no reading materials no contact except meals arriving and being taken to a yard (concrete room, wire roof) to peel potatoes for several hours a day.
I do not think it was this experience that gave me concern for the system.
Quite the contrary, I had good time to reflect on my own idiocy rather than being yelled at and bullied all day in the camp. I also became a dab hand at peeling potatoes, and was effective helping Mum cater for church camps when I got out, whereas before I’d agree to help and drift off to smoke dope.
That loser in a cell overdosed on media. Thought he’d splash his horror to the world as a viral virus. He failed. He wants to see himself in print. He failed. May he be left to think about it for a very very long time.
Good call
Peter of Chch
Yeah I was going to read that article and then instead I read about the heroes of that day and the biographies of those who died. I had it in mind it would be good to launch a campaign for people to not click on anything to do with the gun man or the trial.
And put it on the list of abuse of human rights if you like. Amesty or a human rights lawyer can take it up if they like…..imho the shooter would be on the bottom of the list of causes to take up. I would prioritize a million people ahead of him. And if people do want to, please do it behind closed doors
Ank, I think a lot of the posters on here seem to be missing the point. It is in no way about HIM. As an individual, I really could not care too much. It is about the legal and moral rights of us all.
I certainly hope I never again read another post on TS criticizing the US action in Gitmo, as clearly the posters here thoroughly approve, as the US used the same justifications
Then don’t do an article on him. Do one on human rights abuses in nz prisons about others
I get where you are coming from, which is broadly the same as me. Only difference is as I keep saying, human rights are universal, even to those we despise, lest we become like those we despise.
QED
Indeed, defending his or any prisoner’s rights is not defending him or his actions – Golriz Ghahraman or any (Human Rights) lawyer for that matter can tell you that and remember how much flak she copped. FWIIW, he’s been accused, not yet (!) convicted.
At the same time, defending his rights, despite his alleged terrorist actions that killed 50 innocent people, is defending our humanity. People seem to overlook this aspect.
We have fought for Human Rights, for fair trials and justice, and a rule-based society with a democratically elected government. It is not perfect, far from it and there’s a lot of work to do, but we cannot let the actions of one man undo the hard work of many good people over many years to allow an equally barbaric mob rule dictate how we deal with this. The next step on our descend into chaos would be to all arm ourselves with guns …
Posted to Ecosophia, this excellent point on socialist economic policy, well-worth recycling here: “people get up to all kinds of positive things when they’re not obliged to chase the next meal. In the UK, many of the biggest and most famous music bands the country produced between the 60s and the 80s were only able to get started because of very lax rules about unemployment benefits.”
“Musicians would claim the dole and use that to live while they got up to speed with their skills. Sure, most bands that did that disappeared without trace, but the ones that made it big probably repaid the entire money spent in terms of soft power, taxes, etc. Similarly, one would expect to see more garage inventors hoping to be the next Apple or Microsoft. So, there are good arguments to hope that a UBI might pay for itself.”
https://www.ecosophia.net/march-2019-open-post/
In a local context Helen Clarke’s government early 2000’s had a scheme, I forget the name, but basically artists could have a go at being artists with a benefit available.
There were hoops to jump through but not restrictive: workshop type places, at least in Auckland, where one could find assistance and encouragement, and be schooled in stuff like marketing, time management, and things collectively decided on.
I did not like the workshops so much but the freedom to concentrate on the arts, rather than feel obliged to seek full time work, really took a lot of pressure off.
In that climate I started touring comics. We had so much talent and so little work. I grabbed (some of) who I perceived to be promising and took them to small towns who loved hosting us. Many of those ‘long term unemployed’ given a bit of leeway from that period are now full time writing acting and performing comedy, satire, chat, other media…
Some are a big deal, and have elevated NZ’s profile on the world stage.
In the bigger picture, for this cohort, lending artists some rope worked. It stands to reason creatives in many fields would benefit from taking the pressure off aka UBI.
Good feedback, WTB. So it worked here too. Govt policies that have been proven to work are the best ones to recycle – or re-apply in different contexts.
I’d like to see coalition + Greens advocating a UBI on this basis. Rarely do contributors to public discussion of socialism provide such examples of how it can work in practice, to serve our common interests & enhance the common good.
Best way forward would be to signal a UBI stakeholder conference for their second term, with the intention of establishing a bipartisan consensus, and campaign on that basis next year.
Greens are looking at how a UBI, can work.
Many practicalities to work through
For one, the cost is immediate, but the benefits could take more than the normal political cycle.
Especially as it means the wealthy would have to pay taxes. The CGT, shows how well that goes down.
Labour has been inept for years marketing the CGT. I expect the coalition to demonstrate more finesse. I hope James will take the lead in explaining how to create the essential centrist consensus to secure the public buy-in (only needs around 60% of voters to feel the overall design is unproblematic).
The crucial thing to make the consensus happen is to get the mix right (I’d include ftt, pollution taxes). Bake a cake that most people like eating. So the design of the recipe is what they must focus on getting right first. Palatability will then hinge on reduction of income tax sufficiently to enable voters to see the mix as a fair deal…
Polls show the majority agree with a CGT.
Anything which reversed the almost 50% tax cuts, the well off had had since the 80’s, was always going to get massive kick back and propaganda.
Labour has been missing in action about the need for taxes, for decades.
They had their chance recently of linking deteriorating hospitals, waiting lists, more expensive services to repeated tax cuts.
But senior members of the Labour cabinet are still fixated on Neo-Liberal, trickle down.
Mental illness and walls.
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/annals-of-inquiry/do-walls-change-how-we-think?utm_social-type=owned&utm_medium=social&mbid=social_facebook&utm_brand=tny&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR1-8vk_B_MxEpJD7madycno18-c6RahlmIQ6ISrzpCO3dwlxpOQRMK7_uQ
“During a recent trip to the southern Texas county of Hidalgo, where barriers are currently under construction, she was struck most by the numbness she encountered. “Nobody speaks about it,” she said, apart from anti-wall activists. In Brownsville, Texas, near a former Walmart where children are now detained, diners at a McDonald’s ignored the calamity next door; residents throughout the region had lost track of whether the monitoring towers above them, designed to track movements on the ground, were operative. At the same time, the sense of being watched was pervasive. Locals warned her not to speed because, they said, the area was crawling with law-enforcement officers. “The mental illness related to the wall is also related to the surveillance that goes with it,” Vallet told me. Such surveillance is part of the dystopian atmosphere that walls create.”
http://shorthand.radionz.co.nz/remember-the-heroes/index.htmlI
This is really worth reading. Heart breaking. And also inspirational stories of people’s bravery and courage.
Link sans the appended figure.
http://shorthand.radionz.co.nz/remember-the-heroes/index.html
Philosophy Tube is a great channel with very informative videos about philosophy, it’s history and it’s ramifications. This video discusses the often-unmentioned history of racism and bigotry in the philosophy of Kant, one of the philosophers with the greatest impact on modern thought. It’s a long one (with a bad Australian accent in the cold open), but well worth it.
I am going to put out the call for no articles to appear on the Standard about the gunman, his trial or his human rights. If people such as Peter are so very concerned about this take it to Andrew little or his local MP.
In all honesty what is an article on the standard going to achieve. It is not going to get someone in the position of power to change the gunmans circumstances. We can “debate on the Standard all we like, but that doesn’t change anything in the real world.
Peter you are entitled to be concerned about the gunman. But if your concern is genuine, take some action that might led to change. Don’t raise it here. Nothing will come of it. Nothing can come of it.
[Yeah, nah. TS authors will write whatever they want to, whenever they want to. And you are putting words in Peter’s mouth. If he chooses to write a post, it should be addressed on its merits, not on your strawman positing of what he is going to write before he has even written it. Final point, the terrorist’s judicial rights are my rights and yours too. He will be treated according to NZ law, which is as it should be. TRP]
Ok trp. Since you are one of the editors here I accept and understand such decisions are in your control.
I will have to see what Peter writes. I am not sure I agree with you that mine is a straw man’s arguement because Peter brought up the need for such an article in the context of a stuff article about his conditions and then further posted about the conditions themselves. I think it was reasonable for me to assume that an article by Peter would be abou/include the gunman. I do hope I am wrong about this.
I do actually trust that the gunman is being attended to in prison as set out in ours laws. I do hope that if people have concerns they will take those to their MPs or the human rights commission if they care about it enough.
The gunman has a very grim life ahead of him of that there is no doubt.
I prioritize my empathy and compassion for the innocent victims of this terrible crime. I also think it is important that we do everything to stop it happening again and the evidence I have heard to date is to starve him of any publicly whatsoever
I think you misunderstand how TS functions. Authors have almost full autonomy over their posts and don’t need ‘approval’ from Editors (I happen to be an Editor, whatever that means).
It is a very sensitive issue that’ll require very careful wording and I’d highly recommend proofreading by others before publication to avoid chaos …
Personally, I think it would be good to pry open some minds – please keep in mind that for every commenter here there are many more ‘silent’ readers (AKA lurkers) – but I think the risks are too high with uncertain benefits …
Thanks incognito.
So do you have any suggestions.
TRP has asked Peter to email an article to him/her. “The authors of The Standard will write whatever they want to whenever they want to”
I have asked that we don’t write about the gunman, but it seems that trp doesn’t agree.
An editor compared to an author has an ability to edit posts and comments in names other than their own.
Incognito has it mostly because of their service in making sure we get Open Mike each day. It means that “notices and features” can be set as the author rather than “Incognito”.
Normally editor status is given to allow moderation of comments for other authors posts.
I (as super-admin) get involved when editors start modifying or removing posts from other contributors / authors / editors / admins. It is a sure sign that we have a inter-personal problem. But it has been worth leaving in to make sure that if something really goes wrong, it can be dealt with fast.
Mike and I tend to be the “almost”. But TRP is correct about the
… that is the way that we have run the site for the last decade. I’ll get concerned about legal issues since I’m the one who gets that frame. Over the decade there have been a few issues that I have dealt with – rapidly and with extreme prejudice. But generally there have been bugger all of those. The authors want to publish here.
Similarly there have been various ideological disagreements. Generally I tend to leave these to be dealt with robust discussions between authors or commentators and authors.
But commentators can’t trash authors because the site needs them to provide well written and argued starter topics. Since the foremost reason for authors to stop doing that is getting stupidly abused by commentators (other authors know how damn hard it is – so tend not to), moderators are ruthless at discouraging author trashing.
But commentators can disagree with authors posts- they just have to be able to do it with rational arguments that largely avoid the personal attacks. Sometimes witty denigration about someone who could hold those ideas mixed in with arguments can get past that – but it is a matter of risk to those making the comments.
But outside of those bounds we run either complete freedom for authors, or they don’t have author access.
Ankerrawshark could ask if authors would like to not write about the gunman. It is up to authors if they want to.
I completely accept that iprent
It’s worth noting here that in a historic context there is good reason to think it was Islam itself which introduced the concept of ‘everyone as equals before the law’ into the West.
For much of our prior history the underlying idea behind kingship (or the local equivalent) was broadly modeled as ‘God’s representative on earth’. It’s why monarchs held absolute power, placed themselves above it, and were able to exempt themselves from it. It’s why killing the king was a special category of crime, above and beyond the usual murder.
By contrast Muhammad explicitly placed the idea of ‘the submission of all to God’ at the centre of his doctrine. And critically made the political rulers equally subject to the law as anyone else. This was one of the major innovations which made the early Muslim empire so successful and enlightened for the era.
History strongly suggests that the West adopted this idea from the schools of Islamic jurisprudence, and over the course of the Renaissance extended it to embrace the modern legal system of rights and responsibilities, inalienable from the dignity and worth of every individual.
In my view, the idea of universal human rights originate from Islam. It would a terribly irony if we were to now walk back from them, in the name of honouring this Muslim victims of this terror.
Just an update, although others may have heard this sooner. The gunman has made a formal complaint. I trust it will be taken seriously and whatever the appropriate action (including nothing changes) , will be taken
Swamping the drain.
Stephen Moore, the economics commentator chosen by Donald Trump for a seat on the Federal Reserve board, was found in contempt of court after failing to pay his ex-wife hundreds of thousands of dollars in alimony, child support and other debts.
Trump’s Federal Reserve pick owes $75,000 in taxes, US government alleges
Court records in Virginia obtained by the Guardian show Moore, 59, was reprimanded by a judge in November 2012 for failing to pay Allison Moore more than $300,000 in spousal support, child support and money owed under their divorce settlement.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/mar/30/trump-stephen-moore-federal-reserve-board?
I just wonder if there is actually anyone this “president” has picked for public service that hasn’t been before the courts for one crime or other.
Well, state capture organised crime does require criminals.
Classic! …or will be before the courts.
Divert attention from one crisis by exacerbating the problems driving another crisis.
In a decision that may have the opposite effect of its intended impact, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has followed President Trump’s direction and ordered the State Department to cut off U.S. aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.
Mr. Trump indicated on Friday he would be cutting aid to the countries as punishment for their inability to stem the flow of migrants heading to the southern U.S. border. The countries affected make up the so-called “Northern Triangle” and account for the majority of Central American migrants who are crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/state-department-cuts-off-aid-to-el-salvador-guatemala-and-honduras/?
Morgan takes his ball home as Top sets up to flop again.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/111679703/tops-money-plan-now-financial-backer-gareth-morgan-is-gone
Interesting. Notice how both Morgan & Simmons avoid the elephant in this room: why he resigned. Perusing the top 10 policies, I feel the mix is quite good, but not really good enough. Vernon Tava seems to have formed the same opinion, but it remains to be seen whether his effort to target the same market is any better.
Morgan made it clear right from the very early days that if TOP did not get over the 5% threshold in 2017 he would not hang about making a nuisance of himself. He put this in one of TOP’s early newsletters I used to get, long before the election.
There’s no need to postulate some nefarious reason for his withdrawal, Morgan’s just following through on what he said he would do.
Okay, but it still seems like a repudiation of his creation! Does he not even comprehend the concept of political support?? Is he really `my way or the highway’ – a narcissist? Or have they adopted principles and policies he is opposed to? That would explain it better.
That’s what I was getting at. It would be interesting to know. The impression he’s leaving in the public mind is that he lacks character – or sufficient judgment to realise that folks will wonder if he is merely a dilettante. Reputational risk…
I’ve never met Morgan, but I’m still donating to a UNICEF project he kickstarted back sometime in 2005 maybe, that was building water supply systems in third world countries.
Back then the approach was the same, he’d match dollar for dollar donations up to a certain limit (several million IIRC) and then let his creation forge it’s own path with the initial momentum he had given it. And more than a decade later it’s still taking my money and sending the odd email telling me what it’s doing with it.
Morgan’s relationship with TOP is entirely consistent with this. He’s definitely a non-standard character, and I get that many people don’t gell with him at all.
It’s often said that we all stand on the shoulders of giants as we make progress; Morgan has more of knack of standing on their toes 🙂
The Cat Killer pulling the pin ?
Go away and take your stupid exploitation tools with you is my wish.
“Offshore deep-water oil and gas exploration drilling in the Great South Basin is back on the cards, after Austrian-owned OMV applied for a marine consent to operate in the southern ocean.
No final decision has been made on drilling in the Great South Basin, which lies to the east and far south of Dunedin, but a rig to be used for drilling in Taranaki could come south.”
https://www.odt.co.nz/business/deep-water-prospecting-may-resume
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/111581226/getting-along-with-your-drunk-uncle-in-the-new-normalhttps://www.stuff.co.nz/national/111581226/getting-along-with-your-drunk-uncle-in-the-new-normal
Well if you’re after the redneck, racist vote for political survival, who else to give it to apart from national or nz1st.
“Christchurch crackdown could provide opening for ACT to increase meagre support”
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/christchurch-shooting/111646197/christchurch-crackdown-could-provide-opening-for-act-to-increase-meagre-support
Kia ora Newshub big fire at Hamilton dump Rotorua rubbish goes there to.
I Say Winston is correct Bruni is going backwards with its human rights laws WTF.
With China if you live in a glass house don’t throw stones Eco Maori says.
Paddy the police force will never admit they are wrong stop chacing young children they will just flee. It’s a natural response for tamariki.
Facebook any publicity is good publicity?????????????.
Thanks to Jan for this law that Wahine will get 10 days pay for family violence some Wahine are trapped in bad relationship and need all the help they can get to break the violence cycle in some families Ka pai.
That is cool a army NZ force with out guns in Bogenvile awesome.
Ka kite ano. P.S some people think they can Pukana Eco Maori with no consequence
Agree + 100% Eco Maori
Kia ora Te ao Maori News
Its a sad day when a Wahine has to sell her Whare to raise money for her childs health care hope they running a givealittle page as well.
It good they are getting donations from Te tangata.
I Back having more Maori at selected committees and other important discussion happing around the motu they don’t understand were we are coming from in a lot of OUR consenrns we will need big – – – – to educated the people who run NZ.
Its cool that the announcement for Shearing are trying to get how Maori names are pronounced
The minamim wage went up to ka pai Ka kite ano
Likewise Agree + 100%
Kia ora The AM Show The minamim pay rise of $1.17 a hour rise is needed the cost of living has gone through the roof business need to be innovative to get more income to pay for it.
I SEE you and your ausse m8 having fun at my expense duncan Ma te wa Australia has some of the best conditions in the world for green solar and wind power but scotmo is OWNED by the oil barron he is backing carbon even when green energy is cheaper green energy does not use much water carbon use heaps on the dryest country in the world you think he would try and save water for the Australian environment. The people with familys get a child benefit the young and the old people with no children are struggling as they don’t get that subserdise state services the benefits system put these 2 groups of people at a disadvantage it mite be a bit hard for a ighty to grasp that reality. The Tauranga Street sleeper ban new law is kicking someone when they are down I sure its better to use the carrot and not the stick in most situations the Tauranga council should be helping there people not kicking them
NO need to comment on simon I don’t kick a person when they are down. That a very interesting debate pizza when we have storms wreaking countries that is the issue you should be taking about GLOBAL WARMING CLIMATE CHANGE. The oil barron money must be sweet Sips is doing a crap job they need a total over haul and have more Maori tikanga . Ka kite ano
Eco Maori agrees that climate change is going to have a major impact on MAORI and the rest of the common poor tangata
Climate change to have ‘significant impact’ on Māori businesses
Leaders in iwi and Māori fisheries are worried about climate change and how badly it may hit them. ka kite ano P.S did you see the pizza show
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/385786/climate-change-to-have-significant-impact-on-maori-businesses
Here you go Whanau another case that lets the common person know that the wealthy make our LAWS TO serve them first THEYnever admit LIABILITY CHEATS
Who is paying for Monsanto’s crimes? We are A US court ordered Monsanto to pay $80m in damages because it hid cancer risks. That’s a small consolation for victims
While Bayer may dole out a few billion dollars in damages, who is really being made to pay?’ Photograph: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images
The chickens are coming home to roost, as they say in farm country.
For the second time in less than eight months a US jury has found that decades of scientific evidence demonstrates a clear cancer connection to Monsanto’s line of top-selling Roundup herbicides, which are used widely by consumers and farmers. Twice now jurors have additionally determined that the company’s own internal records show Monsanto has intentionally manipulated the public record to hide the cancer risks. Both juries found punitive damages were warranted because the company’s cover-up of cancer risks was so egregious. Ka kite ano links below.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/30/who-is-paying-for-monsantos-crimes-we-are
Some Eco Maori Music for the minute.
https://youtu.be/aujvc3SVKpc
Some Eco Maori Music for the minute.
Kia ora Newshub
I give my condolences to the whano who lost there love ones in those automobile accidents.
I think it’s is good that OUR Prime minister is in China as for the Huawei I don’t see a problem with China tec I see trump is behind the propergander plan and simply.
Who built a dump by Tangaroa even if they built it 30 years ago.
Yes it sad about the environment desaster in The Solomon Islands.
News Hub its cool you are telling the story about CMV virus it sounds like quite a bad virus that affects hupu Wahine that is not well published very much
You see how the authorities treat Maori communities with the rail bridge deaths they class Maori as fools that’s their argument for not slowing the trains going over the bridge if it was a wealth part of town all the stops to lower the risk would be pulled out to save their tamariki. Ka kite ano
Kia ora Te ao Maori News
Tangata whenua O Atoearoa have much in common with the Chinese tangata they open the biggest NZ embassy in China to. Meng Foon is retireing from the Gisborne mayor’s office thanks for all the years of service to Te tairawhiti.
I just hope that the teachers are doing the correct thing.??????????????????.
All the best to our sports Stars. Ka kite ano
That’s cool that Disney on Ice is going to be using te reo I told you Whanau Maori culture is receiving Great recognition from the rest of Papatuanukue Ka kite ano
Kia ora The AM Show.
China has lifted hundreds of millions of there tangata out of poverty that speak a thousand words to Me.
I will give te whanau good advice about secess NEVER GIVE UP.
The $1000 Kiwi save is good but it need to be asset tested and capped as I know every wealth child’s is in Kiwi saver there parents accountant’s sign them up and they don’t need it I’m trying to get some people to put there tamariki savings into Kiwi saver I will keep trying there ears don’t work because of the Eco Maori effect.
I Back the climate change streakers in the gallery glueing there hands to the building good move to highlight climate change.
The crown is spending millions trying to keep a lid on Eco Maori. I have figured out that they are NOTHING TO in comparison ME. It’s going to be a good Autobiography lol.
Winston yes you have to have trust one also has to have your EYES Wide OPEN to whats is happening around Te Papatuanukue when assessing and applying that trust.
duncan you are prepositions the crown to break the human IGHTS Laws we need to make those laws stronger not weaker.
The weather around Te Papatuanukue has been very extreme we have just had one of the hottest years on record that gives Tawhirirmate more Mana.
All Aotearoa state vehicle fleet should be changed to electric vehicles they have the money to aim for the longterm fuel saving from electric and our Mokopunas environment needs to be saved. Good on the army involved in repairing the west coast bridge that Tawhirirmate broke it would be nice to see that kind of commitment to transport in Te tairawhiti and Te tai tokerou.?????????????????????Ka kite ano P.S Mokopuna dutys
Some Eco Maori Music for the minute Whanau the cops used the christchurch desaster to get there boss to aloud them to Apply emence INTIMADATION Pressure on ECO MAORI but they got Jack as usual.
https://youtu.be/hlfQVvsNLFk
PS I haven’t even Changed my simcard Eco Maori has nothing to hide
Whanau you know NZ is classified as the 2nd least courpt country in the world YEA RIGHT what about Maori.
We die 10 to 20 years earlier than others we have the poorest people in the land we have the worst health Stats of any people in NZ OUR country Children are taken off family by the state In the highest numbers of any other people our children are abuse in large numbers by states people our education rates are low unemployment is the highest in the land We have the highest number of Women and men in jail in the WORLD. The rule classes try a blame this on Maori YEA RIGHT JUST A BIG LIE it’s instertutional racism at its best its that good the ruling classes LIE they have a lot of Maori covenced that if a Maori works hard head down ass up be good be nice to the neighbours you will be able to climb up to great heights on your LADDERs OF LIFE yea right not when you get tripped up at every corner by the cheating cops they will interfair in your work your personal life financially anyway they can stuff you up they will do it and not blink a EYE
What’s Worst is that the cops are breaking my right they are shitting on my family that I have built over 32 years. All the pollies know all the people in the know do to all the media people know what the cops are doing there dirty tricks on me. It doesn’t matter they are just MAORI WHO CARES so much for HONESTY it Is instertutional racism at it BEST in honest little NZ
https://youtu.be/iqeOTg2a-l8
Kia ora Newshub.
david seenothing star gazing
His opinion on the automatic gun ban is just about vote grabbing.
More roofing fraud the dirty buggers can’t help themselves robbing the innocent people.
I have said what I wanted last night on China and Aotearoa.
WTF someone using Maori to get publicity to promote their bait computer hack to get people to open the app and it gets to load it computer viruses Ka kite ano
Kia ora Maori television looks like you don’t want Eco Maori Tau toko because the cops are trying to brand Eco Maori like the shitty story about the people with ankle Bracelets on Ka kite ano. P.S the cop are breaking all the laws interviewing my whanau and playing with them as they don’t know the law they have no credible evidence to be able to get a warrant to investigate my whanau I’m going to SUE THERE ASSS OFF
Nash the police give the gangs time on the news the police have their own controls on NZ media hows – – – – was it good I see all